As set out in the recently published Water White Paper and the Environmental Improvement Plan 2025, Defra has proposed extending EPR (Environmental Permitting Regulations) to the dairy and ‘intensive beef’ sectors. This consultation is anticipated for summer 2026.
It is a regulatory process which currently applies to the pig and poultry sectors. It sets out minimum standards – also known as ‘best practise techniques’ – for operation. These aim to reduce pollution and potential risk to the environment or human health.
Environmental permits come with increased EA inspections and paperwork, as well as stricter enforcement measures. Instead of a burdensome and costly permitting regime, the NFU is proposing an industry-led solution which captures current on farm activity and helps drive air and water quality improvements – without the need for further stringent regulation.
The NFU Dairy Board is working hard on behalf of its members to ensure both Defra and the Environment Agency understand the huge impact permitting would have on producers and the cost this will place not just on the farmgate, but on the wider supply chain. It is vital that any future regulation works alongside productive, profitable businesses.
Keep track of the NFU dairy team’s lobbying on EPR.
NFU survey
The NFU is conducting a survey for dairy producers to collect and amalgamate anonymised evidence. This will help the NFU to respond to the upcoming Defra consultation, demonstrate how on-farm activity is already helping to drive environmental improvement, highlight the need for further financial and advisory support and demonstrate the viability of an industry-led alternative to permitting.
The survey will take 10-15 minutes to complete and will close on 8 May.
