Defra state that many famers will already be compliant to the rules without the need for change and that the aim is to set a consistent baseline of good practice across the agricultural industry in England. However, NFU has concerns over the impact the new rules will have on some farm businesses. To see how the rules will affect your farm business, click here.
NFU is encouraged by the fact that the new rules will provide farmers with an advice-led approach to demonstrate best practice, however, there is concern over how the new rules will be interpreted.
The Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey said:
“These new rules are a win-win for farmers and the environment. They will help improve water quality, they will set a level playing field for farmers, they will help businesses save money from better resource efficiency and improve their resilience. Our ambition is to be the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than we found it and these new rules will help us deliver our plans for a Green Brexit along with a better future for farming businesses.”
The NFU will continue to seek clarity from Defra and the Environment Agency on the scope and impact of the new rules, and ensure that when the rules are reviewed in 2021, the impact on farm businesses have been thoroughly reviewed and addressed.