Defra has today published information on proposed changes to Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, following a consultation period launched in December last year. The data includes definitive maps of the proposed designation area that can be examined down to field level and detailed reasons for designation including a summary of water monitoring results.

The consultation launched last year explored two options for future designation. Under the first scenario, all of England would be designated NVZ, meaning farmers would be subject to stricter rules on fertiliser spreading and chemical treatments. Under the second option, a continuous review process would be undertaken, periodically identifying specific areas for designation. Under the current system, NVZ designations are reviewed by Defra every four years and adapted in line with changes in pollution levels and ecosystems.

Farming unions have pushed for the second, targeted approach, under which they believe the area under NVZ restrictions will fall, however, the government has said that blanket designation will provide wide-reaching environmental benefits without too severe an impact on farmers.

In addition to the data released today, Defra announced that farmers have just under two months from today to prepare their appeal against proposed changes to Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) designations. Farmers wishing to appeal have 59 days in which to do so.

Farming unions expressed disappointment at the shorter appeal time granted under this year’s revised designations; NFU officials today said they had hoped farmers would be allowed three months to prepare their appeal, as was the case under previous regulations.

The Union’s head of policy services, Andrew Clark, today advised any farmers considering appealing to beging preparing their case as soon as possible. He said, “Since farmers must provide evidence to support an appeal, and the designation method and supporting evidence can be complex in some cases, it is important that farmers start reviewing their situation now.

Further information is expected to be released by Defra imminently. This will include monitoring data and guidance for farmers wishing to appeal. The maps can be accessed online at the Environment Agency’s ‘What’s in your backyard’ website here.

Tweet