Following the publication of the Environment Agency’s Report for 2023/2024, Alan Falshaw our Associate Farm Business Consultant comments on its findings.
Agricultural Performance
In 2023, farming activities caused 53 serious pollution incidents, increasing from 45 in 2022. The majority were from dairy and beef businesses and were caused by silage and slurry store containment and control failures.
The Environment Agency’s recent increase in agricultural resources means that they have been able to carry out more farm inspections. They have made 3,940 targeted farm inspections at 3,754 non-permitted farms in 2023, compared with 3,173 inspections in 2022.
42% of farms inspected were non-compliant with environmental regulations
The need for improvements to yard infrastructure, slurry and silage stores and better soil testing are some of the common issues regularly identified during the inspections. Farm businesses are needing to make improvements to minimise the risk of ongoing pollution and serious pollution incidents from farmyards and land affecting water.
In 2022, 84% of all ammonia emissions to air in England were from farming. Farms not required to hold a permit under EPR emitted 93% of farming ammonia emissions to air in 2022. But there was a 4% reduction in ammonia emissions to air from permitted pig and poultry farms between 2022 and 2023, continuing a downward trend in these emissions since 2018.
It would be positive to see improvements from this sector. We know that agriculture is one of the most significant influences on water quality and water-dependent ecosystems. Agricultural businesses have a significant role to play in protecting water and the wider environment. The Environment Agency will continue to give advice and guidance to come into compliance and will take enforcement action where necessary.
Your Next Steps
The Sustainable Farming Incentive can be the gateway to making your business compliant with Environment Agency regulations and receiving payments in return for the benefits you are providing.
For further information on the SFI and Farming Rules for Water please get in touch with us at our offices on 01325 728084 or 01388 730095.
