August 10, 2023

UK swine and poultry sectors demonstrate rising compliance with environmental regulations

The UK Environment Agency (EA) has released a report revealing a commendable increase in Environmental Permitting Regulation (EPR) compliance within the UK's swine and poultry industries, signalling a positive trajectory for environmental practices in these sectors, UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board reported.

Over the course of the past three calendar years, the EA's showed that more than 97% of farms subjected to inspections consistently demonstrating adherence to the highest compliance standards.

The assessment of compliance is based on a comprehensive evaluation of any observed permit breaches during inspections, categorised based on their potential or actual adverse environmental impacts.

The EA offers guidance to farmers aimed at sustaining this high level of adherence. Emphasis is placed on avoiding the most frequently encountered permit breaches, which include aspects such as written management systems (no system, out of date, missing records), containment of stored materials (oil tank bunds, disinfectant storage and use), and site drainage systems (diverter valve timings, blocked pipework and overflows, lack of kerbing).

-      UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board