Research suggests that Britain’s farmers need more help with managing their agricultural waste.

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The SME-nvironment report by environmental guidance website NetRegs.gov.uk reveals that it is recognition of specific waste regulations, rather than compliance, which is the problem.  The Hazardous Waste and Duty of Care regulations were both found to be misunderstood by farmers; many had not heard of these regulations when read from a list (Hazardous Waste 43%, Duty of Care 29%), meaning that they aren’t taking advantage of specific support available to help them meeting these rules.

The research also reveals that while a third of farmers store agricultural waste on site, many do not recognise the important legislation which determines what can be stored, for how long and where permits are required.

New Online Tool can help.

This research points to a need for clearer communication and support for farmers in recognising and so managing waste regulations.  The Environment Agency’s NetRegs website is now seeking to clear up the confusion with its Learning about Agricultural Waste tool (www.netregs.gov.uk/farmwaste). 

Developed in collaboration with the National Farmers Union, the tool provides the farming community with seven simple subjects for battling waste – including guidance on Hazardous Waste, Duty of Care and on-site storage and transport.  It also details legislation specific to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The NFU supports NetRegs’ Waste Tool as a means of helping farmers manage their waste obligations with minimal requirements on their time.  Environment Policy Adviser Aarun Naik explains: “Farmers are faced by a barrage of legislation and it is simply not feasible for them to spend hours reading up on every aspect of waste.  In the last year alone there have been significant changes made to the Hazardous Waste and Animal By-Products regulations in parts of the UK, which farmers need to know about.  We’ve supported the development of NetRegs’ Waste Tool because it helps farmers keep on top of the legislation that applies to them, without costing them time and money.”

The good news for farmers is that NetRegs’ report reveals many in the agricultural community are already seeing the financial rewards of more effective waste management, through reduced operating costs and a more motivated workforce.

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“Farmers’ resources are stretched, particularly in the current climate – but we know that investing in environmental compliance can save rather than cost money.  We talked to farmers on the ground to find out what they would find helpful and our Waste Tool has been developed based on their feedback.  The result is a single online access point to all the necessary information on waste legislation and we hope it’s going to really help farmers.”

NetRegs’ SME-nvironment study, which is delivered through a partnership between the Environment Agency, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency shows that half of farmers are already trying to reduce their business waste, with almost three quarters now recycling.  Although this lags behind the UK average of 84% it points to a sector keen to improve its waste management practices, given the right support.

NetRegs’ Learning About Agricultural Waste Tool is now available on the NetRegs website and can be accessed at www.netregs.gov.uk/farmwaste