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Protection for Scotland's water from fertiliser pollution
09/09/2008
New regulations which will protect Scotland's water from fertiliser pollution have been laid before the Scottish Parliament.
The Regulations are required under the European Nitrates Directive to prevent or minimise the run-off of nitrogen-based fertiliser from farmland into the water environment.
They will be effective in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs), where surface waters and groundwater are seen as being at particular risk of pollution.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said:
"In Scotland we pride ourselves on the quality of our water and recognise that the run-off of fertilisers can be damaging to the environment.
"These regulations will complement the £1.6 billion Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) and will see Scotland comply with European environmental law.
"We also want to work with farmers to help them make good use of fertilisers on their land which will help save them money, as well as being good for the environment.
"The discussions over the Action Programme were lengthy and difficult, but we have secured a package which reflects the particular conditions of farming in Scotland.
"Concessions secured include a shorter slurry storage period than much of mainland Europe and a three year transition period. We also hope to secure a derogation on grassland which is likely to benefit dairy farmers.
"There are a small but significant number of farmers who will need additional storage capacity, mostly in Lower Nithsdale and Aberdeenshire.
"However, we will work with the Nitrates Implementation Stakeholder Group to ensure farmers are able to make the transition to what is now expected.
"We will be working with NFU Scotland on the guidance which will be issued to NVZs farmers in Scotland. The Scottish Agricultural College is also preparing to run a series of workshops shortly.
"And of course, there is grant funding from the SRDP towards the costs of slurry storage, support which is not available south of the Border.
"I would like to thank members of the Stakeholder Group, particularly the NFUS, for their assistance in reviewing the draft Regulations.
"I hope that we will shortly have them in place, reducing the risk of fertiliser pollution in Scotland and helping farmers get more value from manure and slurry, as well as bagged fertilisers."