Government Regulations
It is only natural to have concerns about Government Regulations and the implications of non-compliance. This can have a significant impact on your mental health and personal wellbeing and so it is vitally important to keep up to date with changes to requirements, so you have all the information you need to make the right decision.
The consequences of not complying with farm legislation requirements can be very costly in terms of fines and penalties. There may be a number of Government departments or state agencies with whom farmers engage with. These include:
- Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)
- Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA)
- Local Authorities
- HM Revenue & Customs
- Agricultural Law Association https://ala.org.uk/
What is included in Government Legislation – There are many legislative requirements which farms must meet. This list is not comprehensive:
- Cross Compliance https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/cross-compliance
- Basic Payment Scheme
- The Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Prevention of Pollution of Water, Air and Soil (CoGAP) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protecting-our-water-soil-and-air
- The Nitrates Action Programme Regulations and the Phosphorus Regulations 2015-2018 and The Nitrates Action Programme 2019-2022
- General Import Licences for Animals/Animal Products
- Pollution Prevention and Control- District Councils Charging Scheme NI 2018
- The Water Abstraction and Impoundment (Licensing) Regulations (NI) 2006
- Noxious Weeds (Northern Ireland) Order 1977
- Pesticide Regulations guidance – Spraying Law and Legal requirements for the storage, sale and supply of Pesticides.
- Livestock and Meat Commission Farm Quality Assurance/ Red Tractor www.lmcni.com/farm-quality-assurance/
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Health and Safety on farm www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg270.pdf
- The Control of Pollution (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003
- Waste Management Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006
- Building Regulations NI 2012
Where can I find out more about Government requirements –
- Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs:
- Basic payment scheme: 0300 200 7848
- Environmental issues: 0300 200 7842
- Animal Welfare: 0300 200 7840
- Farm Quality Assurance helpline: 028 9263 3024
- Health and Safety Executive NI: 0800 0320 121
- NI Water: 03457 440088
- HM Revenue & Customs: www.gov.uk/browse/business
If you are unsure of Government Regulations regarding your farm business, speak with our friendly and expert team who would be happy to help – 0800 138 1678.
