CXCS Welsh agricultural compliance specialist Emily Wilson explains how best to approach the challenging new all-Wales NVZ rules.
What do farmers need to be aware of?
A lot of the regulations came into force on January 1st, but the ceiling on the annual whole-farm loading of 170kg/ha of nitrogen (N) takes effect from April 30th, 2023. If a derogation isn’t offered, and farmers are struggling to meet the 170kg/ha N limit, then exporting manures might be the best option.
What else will change?
Farmers might have to spread fertiliser, manure and slurry at different times of year to when they have done traditionally because of the new ‘closed periods’ which come into effect in August 2024. This will involve a shift from farming according to crop need and the weather, to farming based on the calendar. It will also require farmers to get suitable infrastructure in place, such as slurry stores. Some of the bigger farming businesses may be ahead of the game on this, but it could be a struggle for smaller farms as sufficient grant funding isn’t available for this currently. Limits for nitrogen applied to individual crops or ‘NMax’ also came into force on 1st January 2023, meaning the inputs for each crop will need to be looked at more closely, as well as the bigger picture.
How able are farmers to adapt financially ?
The all-Wales NVZ rules took farmers by surprise, but the regulations are here now and will be enforced. Previously, only a few farms in Wales were in an NVZ, but the new legislation applies to every farm. Although BPS has been confirmed until 2024 (subject to budget availability), there is a lot of uncertainty. It is a challenging and worrying time for farmers. There needs to be support available which ensures the survival of family farms, such as the one I run with my dad alongside my job at CXCS.
How will you have to change your farm at home?
We farm in the Brecon Beacons with a suckler herd and sheep on our upland hill farm. Fortunately, we have a covered slurry store, so we won’t need to spend the money that those with open slurry storage might have to, because they will need capacity allowing for an extra 25% to accommodate rainfall. We keep our cattle in cubicles rather than on bedding because we can’t afford to import straw, so that also reduces the waste. Fertiliser is so expensive, so we are nowhere near the NMax limits either. The new closed periods could present more of a challenge, though.
How can CXCS help those who have concerns?
Our motto is ‘We do the paperwork, you go farming’. With ever-more paperwork required and farm inspections on the increase, our team of specialist advisors provide farmers with support and peace of mind. For help and advice, please call our Cross Compliance team on 01981 590514.
