New laws for farmers on water pollution

According to the government the ‘farming rules for water’ will:

• promote good practice in managing fertilisers and manures
• encourage land managers to take reasonable precautions to prevent diffuse pollution from runoff or soil erosion
• require soil tests at least every 5 years

The new regulations were developed following a Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs consultation at the end of 2015.

According to the Defra overview:

“Water pollution from agriculture not only damages wildlife in our rivers and seas, it also affects our economy. It results in higher water bills from increased water treatment, impacts on tourism and affects our shellfish industry.”

You can read the full details of the new farming rules for water here.

Sustain campaigns for a food and farming policy which benefits the environment, health, animals and farmers.