Farmers in Scotland’s nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs) have just five weeks left to submit their fertiliser and manure plans or risk incurring financial penalties.
NVZs were introduced as part of the EU Nitrates Directive, but the industry has been reminded that the UK’s impending departure from the EU has not removed the current requirements in areas of the country which include Strathmore, Finavon and Fife.
The deadline for plans to be submitted is March 1.
The aim of recording grazing, fertiliser, muck and slurry plans ensures nitrate levels in water are not exceeded and NVZ rules are not infringed. Breaches can lead to cross-compliance penalties and potentially court action.
Stewart Johnston of land agents Galbraiths has advised affected farmers to make sure all their records are up to date as quality assurance, Scottish Environment Protection Agency and government inspectors are beginning their annual checks.
Mr Johnston, previously head of the Scottish Government’s Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate for Grampian, added: “Even a visit from an inspector is quite a difficult and time-consuming process which farmers will prefer to avoid.
“Inspections can take more than one day, and often inspectors will remove all the farm records for analysis off site.”
Mr Johnston admitted the level of record keeping was a significant administrative burden but said benefits could include the most efficient use of fertiliser which had the potential to reduce costs.
Other areas in Scotland designated as NVZs are Aberdeenshire, Banff, Buchan and Moray, Stranraer Lowlands, Edinburgh, East Lothian and Borders, and Lower Nithsdale.
nnicolson@thecourier.co.uk
