There is a need to bring forward regulations to provide a statutory basis for the application in all areas of established standards of good farming practice for environmental protection. These regulations will support good farming practice, give further effect to a number of EU directives on waste and water quality, including the Nitrates Directive, and generally strengthen and support other measures in place for protection of the environment. I envisage that the detailed provisions of the regulations will be developed over the coming months in consultation with the main farming organisations and other interested parties.
It would be possible in the context of these regulations for the livestock manure application limits specified in the Nitrates Directive to be applied in relation to all areas or to certain areas designated as vulnerable zones i.e. areas where waters are, or are likely to become, significantly affected by nitrates from agriculture. I have already briefed my Cabinet colleagues on the general position and I intend, following discussions with the main farming organisations and other interests, to report to Government within a few weeks with recommendations in this regard. These discussions are ongoing.
The proposed regulations will support implementation of a 1991 directive on waste which, as an alternative to licensing and in the case of certain activities, permits waste recovery or disposal in accordance with "general rules" by persons who are registered for the purpose, as well as implementation of the 2000 Water Framework Directive which requires that at least "good status" be achieved in relation to all waters by 2015 and that action programmes be established to achieve this objective.
The Nitrates Directive has the objectives of reducing water pollution induced by nitrates from agricultural sources and preventing further such pollution, with the primary emphasis being on the management of manures and other fertilisers. It requires member states to carry out monitoring of nitrate levels in waters, to establish a code of practice for farmers and develop and implement action programmes to reduce and prevent pollution of waters by nitrates.