If you're a grassland claimant through Rural Payments in an NVZ, the derogation allows you to apply 250kg of nitrogen per hectare through livestock manure over a calendar year rather than the usual limit of 170kg.
The window for applications closed on 28 February 2022. Given the short timeframe this year, late applications will be considered on a ‘case-by-case basis’. If you have any queries about the process, please call the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm).
If you previously expressed an interest in applying for the derogation you can expect to be contacted directly by the authorities.
How is the derogation different in 2022?
In previous years, the application window had opened in late October/early November in the year preceding the offer.
It opened in December 2020 for the 2021 offer and came even later for the 2022 offer.
Throughout the delay, we repeatedly highlighted the importance of the derogation for many of our members and urged Defra to put minds at rest by opening the window as soon as possible.
For more information on the derogation and how to apply, please read the guidance on the Gov.uk website: Grassland derogations for livestock manure in nitrate vulnerable zones.