Aspects of Land | Spring/Summer 2018

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Aspects of Land Spring / Summer 2018
INTELLIGENCE
As of March this year, a new process for
renewing a permitted water abstraction
licence has been introduced. An historic
link to a water source is no longer
enough for an abstraction licence to be
automatically renewed.
“Now, farmers wanting to renew
their licence will receive details of water
quantities they have used in the past and
will subsequently have to justify why they
should have this licence again,” explains
Peter Bennett of Savills Food and Farming.
The motivation for the change is
to update the system to a digital one,
as well as to more closely monitor
how much water is being taken from
catchment areas.
Other changes are being introduced
as well. “People who haven’t used the
water they were entitled to will lose
their right to a licence and certain
activities, such as trickle and drip, that
were previously exempt will now need
a licence,” says Peter.
Defra will also be running four pilot
schemes that will be testing out the
concept of licence trading within a
catchment area.
“Landowners need to fully understand
what licences they have and when they
need renewing. And they need to factor in
enough time for the renewal process – it’s
not a two-minute job,” he warns.
Rules were also introduced this month
regarding how farmers should be applying
manure and fertilisers to reduce the risk
of water pollution.
Farmers will be expected to take
account of weather and ground
conditions before applying manure or
fertiliser and there will be restrictions
on how close products can be applied
to waterways.
“It’s just good practice, really,” says
Peter. “But farmers should be aware that
inspectors will be checking up on them.”
n If you have queries about water regulations,
contact Peter Bennett, Cambridge,
01223 347 221,
Rules for water
ENVIRONMENT
News and views from the rural sector
NOT SO VEGAN
The charity Veganuary saw a 183%
rise in the number of people signing
up to go vegan for the month. And
28% of the population claim to have
cut back their meat consumption
since 2016. However, the figures
don’t tell the whole story as sales
of fresh meat and poultry for 2017
were up by 1.8% – even though
the population rise was only 1%.
VEGANUARY, MINTEL, KANTAR WORLDPANEL
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Inspectors will be checking that manure is being applied in the right ground conditions
CLYNT GARNHAM AGRICULTURE / ALAMY