The National Farmers’ Union of Scotland (NFUS) is calling on the Scottish government to clarify what support will be available to farmers and crofters through the “challenging” transition to new slurry storage regulations.
The union said today (Wednesday, December 14) that it believes the transition will impact on the viability of some businesses.
New rules on application methods for slurry and digestate are set to come into force from January 1, 2023.
NFUS said those impacted are currently in an “information void” as to what support for storage and spreading will be available.
Ahead of the Scottish budget, which is due to be published on tomorrow (Thursday, December 15), NFUS is asking the Scottish government to provide adequate funding for slurry storage capacity, it said.
Argyll and Islands regional chair, Duncan Macalister, said: “It is disappointing that Scottish government has not met our asks from the spring of the year leaving those farmers and crofters affected none the wiser on what support will be available for the necessary investments in the storage and application of slurry.
“We are working alongside SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) in Kintyre on how farmers can address the rule changes to ensure businesses comply, adopt best practice, and remain viable.
“However, that will not address the implications of significant financial investment for storage that will be required in a number of circumstances.
“These are additional costs that cannot be recovered via enhanced market returns or which banks are willing to provide additional lending for because such investment does not yield a financial return,” he said.
“Making the most of muck and slurry is paramount, given the very high price of fertilisers, but without providing clarity on what investments will be eligible for support, and what support rates will be, Scottish Government is limiting on farm efficiency and holding back progress on its own regulations.”
