Millions of pounds could be saved thanks to campaigning by the NFU, after the organisation encouraged members to apply for an increase in the amount of manure they can use on farm.
Around 450 farmers have now applied for a derogation from a European Union Nitrate Vulnerable Zone rule, which was won by government with support from the NFU, to use an extra 50% of manure on farm. Costly alternatives could have seen farmers forced to move a third of manure off farm, or get access to 50% more land or reduce manure by cutting down on stocking density.
NFU Vice President Gwyn Jones said: “This is great news for the 450 farmers who applied for the derogation after a direct text from the NFU encouraging them to do so. It means these farmers, mainly involved in dairy production, can use and get the benefit from 50% more slurry on their farms instead of being forced to ‘export’ manure, find extra land or reduce stock numbers.
“Any of these options could have proven extremely costly to farmers. Defra estimates that the dairy sector has halved the costs imposed by the directive, saving up to £20 million.”
A phone text campaign was carried out among NFU members before the deadline of March 31 approached in a bid to encourage farmers to sign up.
The NFU also expects more interest in the 2011 round of applications, which runs from October 1- December 31 this year.
More news and advice on NVZs can be found at our dedicated NFUonline channel, here.