Single Payment Scheme
Information for farmers
Water Framework Directive (WFD)
Water Framework Directive
Defra describe this as “the most substantial piece of EC water legislation” Introduces the term Diffuse Water Pollution in Agriculture (DWPA). This is to be reduced by encouraging more Catchment-Sensitive Farming (CSF). DWPA inc. N, P, silt & other discharges into surface waters.WFD at Farm Level
Likely impact at farm levelMore recordsPossible requirement for capital investment eg. To prevent bankside erosion, to increase winter storage capacity for manures.High risk farms could be forced to change farming policy eg. Cultivation of flood plain, high stocking density situations.Agricultural Waste Regulations 2006
Farm Waste Regulations 2006Controls waste classification, storage, transport and disposal.Fulfils requirements of WFD & Landfill Directive.Essentially ends burning and burial.Introduces a new Duty of Care.Does NOT cover manures and slurry.Ag Waste Regs 2006 at Farm Level
Likely impact at farm levelMore admin. & recordsRegistration of Exemptions - 26 options (so far). Most farms will need at least one!Examples: use of tyres on silage clamp, landspreading of ditch dredgings.Potential for big fines - as yet unspecified.New costs for licensed disposal.Review of NVZ Controls
NVZ RevisionsDEFRA to issue new guidance in July 2006Review of designated areas due in 2007.Link to achieving WFD objectives - not directly linked to control of nitrate levels in groundwater.Measures may vary according in location.NVZ - new proposals
Extension of closed periods and area affected. Impact on min storage capacity.Reduction of whole farm average manure loading. SERIOUS implications for dairy farms if UK derogation on grassland is lost.No new grant aid likely.Cross Compliance
SPS Cross Compliance
New in 2006: Public, Plant & Animal Health
New in 2007: Animal Welfare
Limited cost implications of these additional requirements but could affect variable costs eg. Additional vet visits.
Risk of payment reduction is low in early years.
Bovine TB Control
TB Controls
Pre-movement testing in <24 month testing interval parishes for cattle > 15 months old introduced Spring 2006.
Extension of this control in 2007 to include all cattle < 6 weeks old.
Affects linkage of holdings. If holdings are not linked then a movement will have taken place when cattle are moved even when their ownership is not changed.
Cost of vets time to be paid by farmer, Defra will pay for the test.
These restrictions are likely to impede the ability to trade cattle and may have adverse affects cashflow?
Other factors and issues to watch out for:
Rising fuel costs, inc loss of red diesel rebate.
Competition Commission review of supermarket buying power.
Further relaxation of trade tariffs and market access agreements.
DEFRA Whole Farm Approach – Berrys have trained staff to assist you with the implementation of this new farm management tool.
