Cost-Effective Solutions and Legal Considerations for Slurry ManagementCost-Effective Solutions and Legal Considerations for Slurry Management Cost-Effective Steps: * Farmers can prioritize separating clean and dirty water by repairing drains and clearing guttering, which can be a more feasible and cost-effective approach. Legal Considerations: * The Environment Agency (EA) advises farmers to avoid accepting biosolids and digestate from others unless there is an immediate need or a contract in place. * Farmers are urged to seek independent legal advice before refusing to accept contracted materials. * The EA has also reminded producers of their responsibilities regarding material disposal. NFU Vice President’s Advice: * NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos emphasizes the importance of planning ahead and minimizing risks by ensuring sufficient slurry storage capacity and proper infrastructure. * Farmers are encouraged to investigate funding opportunities, such as the Slurry Infrastructure Grant, to address financial barriers. * Other requirements, such as planning permissions, should also be considered and addressed promptly. NFU Support: * NFU members are reminded that they can access advice and support through the NFU’s CallFirst service or legal panel firms.
Cost effective solutions
It can also be difficult for farmers to cover existing stores, particularly where a lagoon is used or a tank cannot take the extra weight.
Again, some grant funding is available, but the government has committed to requiring covers by 2027 and farmers may, therefore, be reluctant to invest at this stage. Separating clean and dirty water by fixing drains and clearing guttering may well be the most practical and cost effective step for many farmers.
Seek contractual advice
Finally, the EA is urgently farmers to avoid taking biosolids and digestate from others unless there is an immediate need for them, possibly even where there is a contract in place.
While some might be able to do so, we would encourage members to take independent legal advice before refusing to take any material to which they are contractually obliged to accept.
We have also approved the EA to ensure that producers of such materials are aware of their responsibilities around disposal.
Remember: NFU members can seek advice through NFU CallFirst or one of our legal panel firms.
NFU Vice President urges farmers to minimize the risk
NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos said: “After one of the wettest periods on record, slurry storage on many farms came under pressure, so it’s important that farmers start thinking about the potential challenges ahead and plan to minimize any risks.
“Essential on-farm infrastructure should be in place; check stores have sufficient capacity and are fit for purpose, operating as expected and with no signs of leaks, to prevent slurry from reaching local watercourses.
“Some members face significant financial barriers to having sufficient slurry storage so look to take advantage of any funding opportunities such as the Slurry Infrastructure Grant.
“Consider other requirements too such as the necessary planning and building arrangements. We know some members have experienced issues with planning so it’s important to seek the necessary permissions at the earliest opportunity etc.
“We would also encourage our members to contact the NFU’s CallFirst for advice and support.”
