April 12, 2012

Scottish farmers' union rejects fertiliser ban

National Farmers' Union (NFU) Scotland has lodged a strong submission to Scottish government opposing the proposed changes to the General Binding Rules (GBRs), about a probable ban on fertilisers and pesticides use on land with a slope of more than 12 degrees, stated Nigel Miller, NFU Scotland's President.

Further to NFU Scotland's submission, on behalf of members, opposing some proposed changes to GBRs, 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.

"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 fertilisers 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."