Environment Agency experts support the industry

Practical advice on a wide range of topics will be offered, including Agricultural Waste Regulations, Nitrate Vulnerable Zone and PPC (Pig and Poultry) Regulations, and capital grants for Catchment Sensitive Farming.

In terms of PPC Regulations, large poultry and pig installations should have applied for their Regulations 2000 permits early in 2007; however, some local farmers still need to apply, as this is a statutory requirement, says Chris McArthur, Environment Agency Team Leader, who says that the team will be there to give some on-the-spot advice.

 

The local Catchment Sensitive Farming team will be concentrating on helping farmers to apply for capital grants. Farmers within the priority catchments can claim up to £10,000 (€16,000) to improve or install facilities that will benefit water quality by reducing diffuse pollution.

Local Catchment officer Dr Nicola Miller said “We are hoping that farmers will take the opportunity at the show to pop along to the stand for advice or to pick up the guidance packs which provide help with applying for the grant.”