NVZ Grassland Derogation 2015

The application window for the NVZ grassland derogation is now open for the 2015 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).  Applications could be made from the 1^st October and the deadline is the 31^st December 2014.  DEFRA states that the number of farmers applying for a derogation has dropped over the years.  it is concerned that if it is not used, the EU Commission will no longer allow DEFRA to offer this option.