A series of Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) workshops for farmers are being held across the South and South West this autumn as part of the Soils for Profit Project.
The Soils for Profit Project is managed by Natural England in partnership with the Environment Agency and provides advice and support to farmers on ways in which farm profits and the environment can benefit from improved soil management.
The free sessions are designed to help farmers and land managers comply with Nitrate Pollution Prevention Regulations (2008), including the requirement to put in place adequate slurry storage provision by in place by January 1, 2012.
Each workshop will be delivered by experts to a small group of farmers and will provide practical advice on a variety of topics including calculating nitrogen values; advice on storing organic manures and how, when and where to apply fertilizer and organic manure.
Over 30 NVZ workshops are planned across the region between October and December with follow-up support provided after each event via a dedicated helpline.
Steve Marston, Soils for Profit Project Manager said: ‘‘Time is running out to comply with the full set of NVZ regulations. By providing practical advice and individual support, the free workshops on offer will help farmers to comply with existing regulations and also get ready for the new regulations, which come into force on January 1, 2012.
“Our experienced advisers will talk farmers through all the requirements around NVZs and how suitable measures can be applied on each farm, and also refer to other sources of support such as Catchment Sensitive Farming or a Soils for Profit farm advisory visit if appropriate.’’ Alongside the NVZ workshops, the Soils for Profit Project is also running a series 35 workshops during the autumn on how to use the PLANET computer program for nutrient management, which also helps with the calculations required under NVZ regulations.
In addition, 35 ‘Farming More Precisely’ events are being held, looking at how to manage manures and nutrients more precisely with a view to improving productivity.
For further details on the NVZ and PLANET workshops and Farming More Precisely events including dates, venues and how to book a place visit www.naturalengland.org.uk/farmevents
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