SAVED: PAGE: ACTIVE AREA:

Union to Meet with Scot Gov on GBR Concerns

Further to NFU Scotland’s submission opposing some proposed changes to General Binding Rules (GBRs), that could see a ban on the use of fertilisers and pesticides on land with a slope of more than 12 degrees, the Union will meet with top Scottish Government officials to challenge them to find a more risk based and proportionate route forward on diffuse pollution.

NFUS President, Nigel Miller, has been in contact with Richard Lochhead on the issue and Chief Executive Scott Walker will be meeting with Drew Sloan and David Barnes of Scottish Government after the Easter Break to emphasise the need for a revised approach.

NFU Scotland has been in contact with Scottish Government officials throughout the short four-week consultation period.

Nigel Miller, President of NFU Scotland, said:

“NFU Scotland has lodged a strong submission to Scottish Government, on behalf of members, opposing the proposed changes to the GBRs.  

“Of greatest concern is the repeated mention of Scottish farmland that slopes more than 12 degrees and the restrictions that could be placed upon that land. A ban on the use of fertilizers and pesticides on this land could have a drastic impact on Scottish agricultural productivity and food security.

“The proposed changes take no account of the affect of weather, vegetation and application technology, among other factors, but instead focuses rather bluntly on the issue of slope. We have made these points in our submission, and will raise them again when we meet with Scottish Government next week. 

“Risk based and proportionate action on diffuse pollution, working hand in hand with farmers, has to be the priority here – and we will be seeking to work with Scottish Government to find a better solution going forward.”

Notes to editors

  • The proposed wording of GBR 18 could see a blunt prohibition on spreading organic or inorganic fertiliser on land with an overall gradient in excess of 12 degrees.
  • The proposed wording of GBR 23 could see a ban on the application or drift of pesticides over ground with a slope of 12 degrees or more leading to surface water, unless there is a 10m vegetated buffer zone.
  • The consultation document ‘Delivering Scotland's River Basin Management Plans: The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 - Proposed Amendments to General Binding Rules’ can be viewed at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/03/7076

Ends

Contact Wendy Fleming on 0131 472 4020

Date Published:

News Article No.: 37/12


< Article List

Close

Report Abusive Comment

Comment Content:

Why it offends me (optional):



Have Your Say

No-one has commented on this article yet. Be the first to have your say...

New Comment

Share

Total Pages:
Total Results:
Page Start:
Page Result #:

Quick Contact

 
 
Which Region do you live in?  
Are you a member of NFU Scotland?  
 
 

This form collects and sends the information supplied to NFU Scotland. You can read our privacy policy for full details on how we protect and manage your data.
  I consent to having NFU Scotland collect the above details.

Registred Address

NFU Scotland
Head Office
Rural Centre - West Mains
Ingliston, Midlothian
EH28 8LT

Place of registration: Scotland

Company Registration Number: SC214564

Tel: 0131 472 4000
Email: info@nfus.org.uk

NFU Mutual Logo

Get the App

NFUS App QR Code

©NFU Scotland • All Rights Reserved • Web design by Big Red DigitalLog in

Close

Contact Us

 

 

 

No Robots:

This form collects and sends the information supplied to NFU Scotland. You can read our privacy policy for full details on how we protect and manage your data.
  I consent to having NFU Scotland collect the above details.