This Q and A document is intended to provide NFU members with information about the NVZ derogation process. Deadline for applications is 31 March.
The NVZ derogation allows a higher stocking level for predominately grassland farms in return for additional NVZ action programme requirements – it should be of particular benefit to the dairy sector. Those without a derogation could find themselves in breach of cross compliance conditions. The ‘normal’ 170 kg N/ha limit is roughly equivalent to 1.7 cows/ha – assuming that no manure is exported off farm. The derogation increases the maximum limit by 50% to 250 kg N/ha, roughly equivalent to 2.5 cows/ha.
Errors in Defra guidance Booklet 5a:
Two errors have been identified on p19 of the guidance.
1. The third bullet point from the end refers to the figure for box T being arrived at by adding the contents of boxes R and T. It should refer to boxes R and S being added to give the figure for box T.
2. The last bullet point refers to the application being rejected if the figure in box T is less than the farmed area (box G). This should refer to the application being rejected if the box T figure is greater than the farmed area.
In the event that any NFU member has had an application rejected inappropriately, there is provision for appeal within 30 days of receiving a notice of reaction. However, the current information is that no applications have been rejected so far (30 March 2010).
Please view the NVZ Derogation Q & A document on the right.
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