On 26 May, DEFRA released its latest findings on the subject of greenhouse gases, and more specifically on the mitigation procedures being put into place on farms.
On the face of it, the figures are reasonably encouraging from an environmental perspective. The report found that the majority of farms surveyed had mitigation in place. 58% were trying to reduce greenhouse gases, 54% had a nutrient management plan and 73% had a Farm Health Plan. 78% were spreading their slurry but 72% were still storing it in temporary heaps. Whilst these figures, on the face of it, look quite positive, they are not markedly different from the survey taken 12 months previously.
Perhaps the results next year may be better: On 9 June, a new Slurry Infrastructure Grant was launched. Dairy, beef and pig (but not poultry) farmers can apply for grants of up to 50% of the cost of creating or improving slurry stores, with the aim of ensuring six months capacity (those who already have such capacity are not eligible). The grant will cover:
- a range of slurry store types;
- impermeable covers; and
- extra equipment like pumps, pipes and safety equipment.
Where a unit creates more than six months capacity, the grant will be restricted accordingly but it is available to replace existing stores which are nearing the end of their useful life.
Grants are available for amounts between £25,000 and £250,000 and applications will open in the autumn.
*The views expressed are the author's and not ICAEW's.