The Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) has increasing concerns that the Environment Agency (EA) is focusing on the wrong targets in its pollution control role.

The TFA has become aware that while the EA seeks to impose inappropriate blanket restrictions on the farming community, through the incorrect use of pollution control regulations, it is allowing a relatively small number of serious pollution incidents to occur and continue. TFA Members have reported that the EA has been failing to deal with situations where there are critical pollution control incidents, and that such incidents have been allowed to carry on for months and in some cases years.

TFA Adviser, Kathleen Wolton, said “Whilst the vast majority of farms and farmers seek to adhere to high pollution control standards, from time to time incidents do occur and on very rare occasions we know that there are some incidents of pollution control caused by the recklessness or negligence of individuals. The TFA has always been clear that these incidents need to be tackled head on. However, what we are finding is that the EA is not acting with the urgency required.”

“These critical incidents decimate the livelihoods of neighbouring farmers, who can no longer keep stock due to polluted water sources. The TFA has been in unproductive dialogue with the EA to understand what practically can be done to stop the pollution from continuing. We have received no response other than to say that resource is stretched and that it is focused on priority matters. Not only are these incidents devastating to farmers impacted by upstream pollution, sensitive, designated habitats have also been adversely impacted and yet the EA still permits it to continue,” said Ms Wolton.

In contrast, there has been a significant rise in the number of EA employed Agriculture Regulatory Inspection Officers, which has led to an increase in the number of on farm inspections. This is not a concern for most farmers who adhere to the regulations. However, TFA members are reporting an aggressive, heavy handed approach in relation to minor issues, such as incomplete records.

“It is essential that these new Agricultural Regulatory Inspection Officers are properly trained before engaging with farmers without supervision. We have received feedback that demonstrates a lack of understanding of legislative matters but more concerningly a lack of empathy with the farming community,” said Ms Wolton.

The TFA has approached the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee to suggest that the Committee holds a specific evidence session, as a follow up on previous Committee sessions reviewing the work of the EA.

“The TFA feels that the scrutiny the EFRA Committee can bring would be helpful in refocusing the priorities of the EA to direct intervention on critical pollution incidents, rather than taking a heavy handed approach with those already acting responsibly,” said Ms Wolton.