Proposed NVZ rules will spark hunt for extra land

UK - As feared, it is becoming clear pig producers will be searching for extra land to spread their muck and slurry when Defra tightens the NVZ rules.
calendar icon 14 February 2006
clock icon 3 minute read
National
Pig
Association

National Pig Association
THE VOICE OF THE UK PIG INDUSTRY

NPA is active on members' behalf in Brussels & Whitehall, and with processors, supermarkets & caterers - fighting for the growth and pros-perity of the UK pig industry.

Within minutes of NPA’s Nitrate Vulnerable Zones questionnaire (below) being posted on this page last night, four responses were received from producers, all making it clear that reduced spreading rates, expanded closed periods and new restrictions on sloping land have the potential to force some producers out of production.

One contract-finisher was clear the cost of providing extra storage would likely be too much to justify staying in pigs. Another, put the cost of providing extra storage on his farm at around 365,000.

All four were clear they would need more land to spread their muck and slurry. One feared the “steeply sloping ground“ rule would mean no spreading at all on his home farm.

Two of the four questioned whether their pig enterprises would remain viable given the extra costs that would be incurred.

The new rules are only proposals at this stage and Defra is keen to reduce their impact on livestock farmers. However, its room for manoeuvre is limited as it faces prosecution in the European Court for failing to implement nitrate reduction measures with sufficient rigour.

Your responses to the questionnaire below will be used to help National Pig Association, Meat and Livestock Commission and National Farmers Union make a case for the pig industry when Defra consults later this month.

Source: the National Pig Association - 14th February 2006

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