9-May-2006 - On May 9th
and 10th, the Environment Agency will host two
seminars at the Pig and Poultry Fair to introduce
Pollution Prevention Control (PPC) requirements
aimed at large scale pig and poultry farmers.
The PPC Regulations have been brought in to control
the impact that pig and poultry farms can have
on the environment through various pollutants
such as ammonia and nutrients.
Rob Robinson Agricultural Policy
Manager for the Environment Agency, who will be
presenting one of the two seminars, said:
"PPC controls were introduced
in 2000 and since then, new farms with places
for more than 1000 breeding sows, or 2,000 production
pigs and poultry producers with more than 40,000
birds have had to apply for PPC permits. Farms
over those size thresholds which were operating
before 2000 are now being brought under the legislation.
In order to continue to operate legally, they
will have to apply for a permit from us between
November 2006 and January 2007 - we estimate that
around 1200 producers will be affected.
The two seminars at the Pig
and Poultry fair will kick-start our joint campaign
with industry organisations to help operators
prepare to make their applications. We will also
be introducing a series of workshops around the
country during the summer that will provide practical
help with preparing applications.
We appreciate that this is the
first time most producers in this sector have
been required to apply for a permit under the
PPC regulations, so we are keen for farmers to
attend the workshops or make sure they have seen
the information we have prepared to help with
making their applications."
Each farm will initially pay
an application fee of £3,331. Once the permit
is issued they will also have to pay an annual
subsistence charge of £2,229 for small farms
or £2,794 for large farms. This annual subsistence
charge is then paid each year for as long the
farmer holds the permit.
Farmers affected by permitting
changes will be able to obtain a free CD-Rom (which
includes a copy of the application form) from
the Environment Agency. Tel: 08708 506 506 or
Email: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
Ends
Notes for editors
The Pig and Poultry Fair is
being held on 9th and 10th May 2006 at Stoneleigh,
Warwickshire in association with Pigworld and
Poultryworld publications.
