NVZ Grassland Derogation 2014

The application window for the NVZ grassland derogation is now open for the 2014 year.  The usual ‘manure loading limit’ under NVZ rules is 170kg of nitrogen per hectare.  However, livestock farmers can apply to increase this to 250kgN/Ha.  The application can be done online (see www.gov.uk/nvz-derogation-application) but telephone and postal applications are also accepted.  Applications could be made from the 1^st October and the deadline is the 31^st December 2013.  This window is much earlier than last year (when DEFRA was still in negotiations with the EU over the derogation until well into the year).  In 2013, the deadline for applications was the 31^st May.