What progress has been made regarding the introduction of action programmes for farmers in nitrate vulnerable 'ones.

Last April, I announced consultation on the proposed action programme measures for farmers in nitrate vulnerable zones. During the consultation period stakeholders raised concerns about the cost of the proposed action programme measures. I have listened to these concerns and have today introduced programmes which aim to produce the required nitrate savings at a significantly reduced cost for the farming community. We are taking this forward in partnership with farmers, and regulations providing for a 40% grant scheme to assist them with slurry storage requirements have also been introduced today.Guidance will shortly be issued to all farmers in nitrate vulnerable zones, providing advice on implementation of the action programme measures. These have been designed in consultation with National Farmers' Union Scotland and other stakeholders, and incorporate changes arising from the concerns raised by them during the consultation period.