As set out in the recently published Water White Paper and the Environmental Improvement Plan 2025, Defra is expected to launch a consultation on extending EPR (Environmental Permitting Regulations) to the dairy and ‘intensive beef’ sectors. Defra does not have a definition for 'intensive beef'. This consultation is anticipated for summer 2026.
Defra says EPR would drive improved EA (Environment Agency) inspection compliance rates and improve air and water quality on farm, but the NFU is concerned that this approach may lead to significant costs, additional paperwork, and increased inspections for producers.
While air and water quality is extremely important to the beef sector, the NFU believes that any form of EPR on beef producers would significantly hinder growth and further diminish confidence in the sector.
Based on pigs and poultry environmental permitting, these new regulations may cost producers up to £10,000 to acquire a permit, plus £2,000 to renew annually.
Environmental permits come with increased EA inspections and paperwork, as well as stricter enforcement measures. Instead of burdensome and costly regulation, industry should work together to drive air and quality improvements.
The NFU is already leading work on an industry-led solution by bringing together industry and supply chain stakeholders to support beef producers with EA inspections and address any air and water quality issues on farm.
NFU survey
The NFU is conducting a survey for livestock keepers to collate evidence from beef enterprises that will strengthen our response to the upcoming consultation.
The NFU continues to engage with Defra and government officials, pressing that EPR should not be applied to the beef sector.
This survey will take around 10 minutes to complete and will close on 8 May.
