New requirements for holders of an environmental permit mean the Environment Agency (EA) will be reviewing all existing permits over the next four years.

The main change is the introduction of Best Available Technique Associated Emission Levels (BAT AELs). The AELs for ammonia emissions and nitrogen and phosphorus excretion will apply to all permits.

The EA will be sending questionnaires to all permitted farms this autumn to determine whether existing permits comply with the new standards and identify what, if any, improvements are required. Farms with a permit, or those applying for one, will need to comply with requirements as soon as the new/updated permit is issued.

AHDB Pork’s environment and buildings project manager Susan Rabbich said: “We are running a series of workshops around the country with the Environment Agency to help producers understand how the review process will be carried out and what the implications of the changes are.

“The main aim of the workshops is to focus on how to answer the questionnaire and how to avoid pitfalls. Essentially, it’s important to understand why the questions are being asked and also to have some understanding of what is expected when answering them.”

Pig producers are encouraged to attend one of the workshops this autumn. They will be small and informal meetings and provide attendees with the opportunity to meet their local EA officer.

Details are available on the AHDB Pork website (https://pork.ahdb.org.uk/events/). Anyone who would like help to understand the implications of the changes and how the review process will be carried out can contact AHDB Pork on 024 7647 8798 or the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506.

Workshops will be held on:

·         5 October, Kidderminster

·         16 October, Wetherby

·         17 October, Diss

·         25 October, Driffield

·         7 November, Taunton

·         8 November, Bristol/Bath