DEFRA publishes nitrate guidance for farmers

DEFRA has published guidance for farmers and landowners that explains the rules they must follow if their land is in a nitrate vulnerable zone (NVZ).

Among other things, the guidance details how to find out if land is in an NVZ; NVZ rules and cross-compliance requirements; and how to prevent water pollution more widely.

NVZs are areas designated as being at risk from agricultural nitrate pollution. They include about 55% of land in England. DEFRA reviews NVZs every four years to account for changes in nitrate concentrations.