The Farmers’ Union of Wales has linked up with Environment Agency Wales to help Welsh farmers manage their agricultural waste better.
Recent research suggests Welsh farmers need more assistance with the problems of dealing with farm waste and a useful learning tool is now available in Welsh and English by clicking on the “Farm Waste No Bull” link on the FUW’s website: www.fuw.org.uk
FUW president Gareth Vaughan said a recent “SME-nvironment” report by environmental guidance website NetRegs.gov.uk reveals the problem is farmers’ recognition of specific waste regulations rather than compliance.
“The Hazardous Waste and Duty of Care regulations were both found to be misunderstood by farmers,” he added. “Many had not heard of these regulations (Hazardous Waste 27 per cent and Duty of Care 27 per cent), meaning that they aren’t taking advantage of specific support available to help them meet these rules.
“The research also reveals that while a third of farmers store agricultural waste on site, many do not recognise the important legislation which determines what can be stored, for how long and where permits are required. This research points to a need for clearer communication and support for farmers in recognising and so managing waste regulations.”
The Environment Agency’s NetRegs website is also seeking to clear up the confusion with its relaunched Learning about Agricultural Waste tool at: www.netregs.gov.uk/farmwaste
It provides the farming community with seven simple subjects for battling waste – including guidance on Hazardous Waste, Duty of Care and on-site storage and transport. It also details legislation specific to Wales.
Environment Agency in Wales land quality policy and strategy manager Simon Neale said: “Farmers’ resources are stretched, particularly in the current climate, but we know that investing in environmental compliance can save rather than cost money.
“The good news for farmers is that the NetRegs’ report reveals many in the agricultural community are already seeing the financial rewards of more effective waste management, through reduced operating costs and a more motivated workforce.
“We talked to farmers on the ground to find out what they would find helpful and our Waste Tool has been developed based on their feedback. The result is a single online access point to all the necessary information on waste legislation and we hope it’s going to really help farmers.”
