Hope grows for dairy and beef permitting alternative

A farmer-led alternative to environmental permitting for dairy and beef is gaining traction, with industry leaders increasingly confident a more workable system can be developed.

NFU deputy president Paul Tompkins said a coalition of industry bodies is developing proposals that could reduce the need for formal permitting for most farms, while still delivering environmental outcomes.

“Farmers delivering best practice on farm should not be held back by unnecessary permitting,” he said.

See also: Dairy permitting could drive up farm costs, NFU warns

“A structured permitting model designed for other sectors just isn’t a good fit for dairy and beef, because the farms are so different.”

The group – led by the NFU with support from AHDB and involvement from processors and other industry bodies – is exploring an alternative system based on risk and on-farm evidence.

Mr Tompkins outlined a “triangle” approach, where farms would sit on a spectrum according to their pollution risk.

Those able to demonstrate strong environmental performance around slurry, water and air would fall below the threshold for permitting, while higher-risk units could still face regulatory oversight.

“The more you do to evidence what you do to reduce risk, the lower down that triangle you come,” he said.

“The vast majority of farms should be low enough that they fall below the need for permitting.”

The move comes amid widespread concern that environmental permitting could increase costs, restrict business growth and add further complexity at a time when many farms are already under pressure.

Industry leaders have also stressed the need for continued funding to support on-farm investment and for greater resourcing of catchment-sensitive farming advice.

There are signs that the government is open to alternatives.

While the Environment Agency has traditionally favoured a regulatory approach, Mr Tompkins said there is “warmth” in Defra towards a different model.

A formal consultation is expected later this year, which the NFU says must allow space for industry proposals to be fully considered.

Engagement with farmers will be critical, Mr Tompkins added, particularly in demonstrating that a voluntary, evidence-based system can work in practice.