With Environment Agency (EA) inspections increasing, farmers are being urged to prepare. Failures in nutrient planning, soil testing and yard drainage systems are reportedly the most common breaches, with some form of non-compliance found on most farms.
“Being picked by the EA may not mean you are under suspicion of doing something wrong, but it could relate to concern about water quality in a local river if there are high or rising levels of pollutants like nitrates and phosphates,” says Alice Johnson, part of the farming team at Strutt & Parker.
“The letter from the Environment Agency will explain all the paperwork that the inspector will want to see, but, in our experience, it can be very reassuring to have addressed any potential weaknesses well in advance, rather than under pressure.
“A pre-inspection audit can help to identify if there are any obvious gaps and be a springboard for exploring opportunities for grant funding if there are problem areas.”
She adds that the increased rainfall is highlighting the lack of drainage plans on farms, particularly on farms which have used Capital Grants to lay new concrete.
“Inspectors will want to see that clean and dirty water is being kept separately and that rainwater harvesting systems are adequately sized and located appropriately.
“It is worth remembering that slurry is defined as water which contains any level of faecal matter, so making sure that procedures are in place to avoid the contamination of clean water is very important.”
In 2024/25, there were more than 4,500 inspections on non-permitted farms, with the EA targeting more than 6,000 inspections by 2029. In the first instance of a breach, it will tend to take an advice-led approach, enabling growers to rectify issues. However, it will use enforcement powers where necessary.
It is expected that another round of Capital Grants will open this year, which will be an opportunity for growers to secure funding to help rectify potential issues on farm.
“Inspectors will want to see that clean and dirty water is being kept separately and that rainwater harvesting systems are adequately sized and located appropriately.
“It is worth remembering that slurry is defined as water which contains any level of faecal matter, so making sure that procedures are in place to avoid the contamination of clean water is very important.”