Slurry Management and Storage

A joint project between DEFRA and the farming industry has been launched to consider issues relating to the storage and management of slurry on English farms.  Readers may recall that, as part of the last NVZ review, it was proposed to end the ‘grandfather rights’ exemption for stores over 20 years old under the Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil (SSAFO) Regulations.  Although this change was not made in the end, it has prompted a wider debate on the storage question.   DEFRA recognises the challenges current regulations pose and is keen to find out if a more flexible approach to some areas (e.g. closed periods) is possible.  The project, which involves among others DEFRA, NFU, CAAV and DairyCo will also look at the support required by the farmer to optimise slurry use, achieve compliance and minimise costs. A series of recommendations is expected this summer.