In order to reassure the agricultural sector the NFU has a number of key policy asks, which address three phases of operation (exploration, commercial extraction, aftercare):
A standardised process for negotiating underground access, with an agreed minimum level of compensation, as for other major infrastructure schemes
Effective regulation, backed by industry good practice, to minimise the impact on farmland and farming
Government or industry underwriting of landowner compensation and possible long-term liabilities
Following our response to the government consultation on Underground Drilling Access, the NFU was invited to meet with Energy Minister Matthew Hancock and DECC officials on 6th October, to present our concerns about possible direct and indirect impacts of shale gas exploration and production, as well as issues of longer-term liabilities following decommissioning of production sites.
We have also been in discussion with the UK Onshore Operators Group (UKOOG) which represents the onshore oil and gas industry, including fracking and coal bed methane as well as conventional well drilling.
In the consultation outcome published on 25th September, DECC stated that its proposed policy "remains the right approach to underground access" and that "no issues have been identified that would mean that our overall policy approach is not the best available solution".
However, both the shale gas industry and Government are evidently keen to improve the public perception of this emerging energy technology, so the NFU is pleased to be engaged proactively in further discussions on how to address our members' concerns.
We have made it clear that the support of the agricultural industry cannot be taken for granted, but we would welcome appropriate assurances from DECC and UKOOG that the unconventional oil and gas sector will look again at ways to tackle the genuine anxieties felt by some landowners and tenants.