The application of organic products to land has to date been covered by a number of voluntary and best practice guidance schemes. Many in our sector will be aware of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, the Code of Good Agricultural Practice, and the use of RB209 as the basis for calculating compost or digestate application rates.
Earlier in the year, new Farming Rules for Water were brought in which now formalises the previous good practice into legislation and obligates farmers and land managers to comply with the requirements.
This change in position places significantly more emphasis on land managers having a comprehensive annual nutrient management plan that is based upon recent soil analyses whilst taking into account the different source of nutrient supply. At a recent industry engagement event on the new rules, an Environment Agency spokesperson reiterated that incomplete or rough plans would not be accepted within the legislation, and that a proactive regulatory approach would be taken to check compliance in areas considered to be high risk.
This development has a clear consequence for those producing and supplying composts and digestates, whether managing land banks directly, or relying upon local supply chains for product off-take to land. The need to hold a complete and current nutrient management plan has never been greater, particularly at a time of increased regulatory scrutiny on organic waste processors and their supply chain partners.
Contact us or speak to WRM’s compliance experts to understand what impact the Farming Rules for Water will have on your operations: mark.richmond@WRM-ltd.co.uk
