The NFU has responded to the EA’s consultation on its proposed charges for the period 2010-2011. Our most significant concerns are with the Agency’s proposals to introduce new charges for standard permits that were previously notifiable exemptions and the proposals to amend the groundwater authorisation charges.
· There is a fear that small-scale, commercial on-farm composting units will not be able to sustain the increase in charges and that these could ultimately drive them out of business. Charges for spreading beneficial materials, such as compost, could also amount to thousands of pounds for some farmers. This goes completely against government policies which are supposed to be encouraging the addition of organic matter to farm soils.
· We are also concerned about the higher charges for on-farm Anaerobic Digestion plants despite the government assurances that it is keen to encourage farmers to use on-farm inputs to reduce emissions and produce green, clean energy.
· We are also deeply concerned that the proposed charges for the new groundwater authorisation, which recognises the environmental benefit of treating sheep dip, but does not reflect the Agency’s commitment to provide a worthwhile financial incentive to farmers and could discourage farmers from treating their dip in this way.
We have also commented on the proposed changes to the charging regimes for Radioactive Substances, IPPC and abstraction licensing.
Read the full response in the attached document.
No comments have been made.