The scheme allows farmers with a high level of compliance with their Environmental (IPPC) Permit to receive one annual inspection by a certification body trained by the Environment Agency instead of two Environment Agency visits, saving them around £850 a year.

Progress so far

• 562 farms in England and Wales were assessed as eligible for the scheme;
• 430 farms have joined the first year the scheme; and
• Certification bodies have already completed their first visits.

The Environment Agency will be assessing all permitted farms towards the end of 2010. Those that are eligible for the second year of the scheme will receive a letter from the Agency. Farmers who were not eligible for the first year of the scheme can contact their local Environment Agency office to find out what they can do to be eligible for year two.

Red tape cuts

The National Farmer’s Union Deputy President Meurig Raymond said, “This initiative is a good demonstration of the industry and the Environment Agency working together to help reduce costs and administrative burdens for producers farmers. It also helps the sectors, with their very tight margins, to be competitive. We will be working closely with the Agency and Assured Food Standards over the next year to review the scheme's progress and ensure that those farmers who were have not been eligible this time around are given the opportunity, following a review of their compliance, to enter into the scheme in the near future.”

The Environment Agency’s Director of Environment and Business Ed Mitchell said, "It’s great that the Pig and Poultry Assurance Scheme has proved popular with farmers. The Environment Agency wants to work with farmers to protect the environment and reward those who take this responsibility seriously. We hope that even more eligible farms join next year.”

Further Reading

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You can find out more information on the scheme by clicking here.