The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee will shortly be announcing the single evidence session which forms part of the short inquiry into Defra's consultation on implementation of the Nitrates Directive in England. 

 

Final date for the submission of written evidence for the Committee was 21st January. The Committee is due to consider a number of issues, including whether Defra's implementation of the 1991 Directive has been adequate and its proposal that  the area designated as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones needs to increase from 55% to 70% of England and whether the proposed Nitrates Action Programme measures should apply throughout the whole of England, rather than only on land designated as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones.

 

The Committee will also look at what should be the timetable for introducing any changes in the way the Nitrates Directive is implemented and what advice and support farmers will need from Defra to implement a revised Action Programme.

 

mplementation of the Nitrates Directive has important implications for the water industry. Agricluture will undoubtedly be one of the key sectors to be affected when the Water Framework Directive finally comes into effect. Diffuse pollution from agricultural run-off is an ongoing concern and if the ‘polluter pays’ principle is applied with no exceptions for the agricultural sector farmers could find themselves facing significant costs unless they take steps to mitigate any ongoing pollution.