The NFU Dairy Board is fighting to support members throughout the dairy sector, as well as setting the industry's path for future sustainable growth. The NFU is proud to represent 6,000 dairy farmers in England and Wales. Meet the NFU Dairy Board (gated for members).
Updates from Council
NFU Council met on 26 and 27 January where Council members heard from NFU Dairy Board Chair Paul Tompkins on the government's ‘once-in-a-generation’ plan to reform the water system and subsequent consultation on extending EPR (Environmental Permitting Regulations) to the cattle sectors.
The NFU continues to oppose the extension of a burdensome, costly and rigid permitting regime, such as we have seen implemented in the pig and poultry sectors, and believe it would have a direct impact on farm business growth and viability.
The NFU Dairy Board welcomes engagement on ways to improve water and air quality and increase compliance rates following EA inspections. However, the board is clear that a flexible, option-led, data driven approach that also acknowledges the actions farmers are already taking to reduce pollution on farm is essential.
The NFU continues to call for Defra to commit to the inclusion of an industry-led option in any future consultation on permitting and will raise this issue at a number of Ministerial meetings that are in the diary.
Other NFU activity includes:
- Sharing newly produced policy principles with supply chain partners.
- Developing a farmer-led approach to demonstrate how, as an industry, we can drive improvement without the need for further regulation.
- Conducting an NFU member survey to help demonstrate on-farm activity and identify key opportunities for improvement that don’t require regulatory action.
