When it will release details of the action programme measures that must be followed by farmers in the Nitrate Vulnerable Zones as proposed …

A consultation paper on proposals for action programmes will be released today. Arrangements have been made for copies to go directly to farmers in the proposed Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs).Our rivers, lochs and coasts are, I think, one of our best national assets, if not the best. By and large they are of excellent or good quality. We all have a duty of care for this environment and we must address the problem of nitrate lost from agriculture, which can affect the quality of our drinking water supplies, and presents a risk to the ecological balance in our rivers and the sea.It is in the common interest of farmers and the general public to find practical ways of tackling the problem. For example, losses of nitrate from agricultural land also represent an economic loss to farmers
- controlled application and use of the nitrogen supplied in fertilisers and manures will reduce fertiliser costs and nitrate pollution. Good agricultural practice is good for the environment. Many farmers recognise this, but all farmers in areas vulnerable to nitrate pollution must take action to deal with this type of diffuse pollution.When the NVZs have been agreed we will work closely with farmers and other stakeholders to ensure that the proposed action programmes take farming industries needs into account whilst delivering the appropriate level of environmental protection.