NVZ Derogations

The Nitrate Vulnerable Zone 2017 derogation for grassland farmers is now open for applications.  But applicants need to be aware DEFRA’s current agreement with the European Commission to offer a derogation expires at the end of 2016.  DEFRA are in negotiations with the Commission over the renewal of the derogation but it may not be until 2017 until a decision is made.  In the meantime DEFRA has decided to go ahead with inviting applications for 2017 on the same provisions as in previous years, but note it may have to withdraw derogations if the Commission does not grant a renewal or if the conditions are changed.  

A derogation can only be applied for by telephoning the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506.  The closing date is 30^th December 2016.  The phone line will be open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, excluding 26^th and 27^th December.  

Those within NVZs are normally subject to a limit of 170kg nitrogen per hectare per year from livestock manure averaged across the area of the farm.  However a derogation can be granted to allow up to 250kg nitrogen per hectare per year from grazing livestock, if at least 80% of the agricultural area of your holding is down to grass and the nitrogen comes from grazing livestock manure (i.e not pigs, poultry or veal calves.

When applying farmers will need information on the area of grassland on the holding and the amount of manure nitrogen produced on the holding by various categories of livestock.  For more information on what is required please go to: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/grassland-derogations-for-livestock-manure-in-nitrate-vulnerable-zones