Each year, farmers in NVZs are permitted to apply an amount of manure containing no more than 170kg of nitrogen per hectare. Farmers with at least 80% grassland in NVZs can apply for a derogation from this loading limit. If granted, the derogation allows farmers to spread manure containing up to 250kg nitrogen per hectare per year. This is on the provision that they meet the conditions of the derogation.
To apply for a grassland derogation you need to phone the Environment Agency National Customer Contact Centre. Call 03708 506 506 between 8:00am and 6:00pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). Those granted a derogation for 2018 must reapply if they want a derogation for 2019.
To make your application, you will need to provide the following information for the 2019 calendar year:
- your farm name, address and County Parish Holding (CPH) number;
- the expected agricultural area and grassland area of your farm in hectares on 1 January 2019;
- the expected amount of manure nitrogen produced by grazing livestock kept on your farm during the year in kilograms of nitrogen (kgN);
- the amount of manure nitrogen produced by grazing livestock you intend to bring onto or send off your farm during the year (kgN);
- the expected total amount of manure nitrogen from grazing livestock on your farm during the year (kgN);
- the expected amount of manure nitrogen produced by non-grazing livestock kept on your farm during the year (kgN);
- the amount of manure nitrogen produced by non-grazing livestock you intend to bring onto or send off your farm during the year (kgN); and
- the expected total amount of manure nitrogen from non-grazing livestock on your farm during the year (kgN).
It is anticipated that a derogation, if granted, will last until the end of 2019. It is possible the European Commission, which has ultimate control over the use of derogations, may require it to end earlier. If so, Defra will endeavour to give you as much notice as possible.
For further information on how to apply, please see the Grassland derogations for livestock manure in nitrate vulnerable zones section on GOV.UK.