Although activities, such as shale gas extraction, are still at an early stage, some companies are drilling exploratory test wells. Our primary interest in responding to this consultation is to ensure that adequate environmental safeguards are in place for any members who host or are near-neighbours to any exploratory site.
Our consultation response makes a number of detailed points including the importance of companies engaging with farmers and local communities about any proposed exploratory sites but also about the need to safeguard water supplies for agriculture and food production.
You can read the NFU's full response here.