Farmers face major changes to water and pollution rules under new government proposals aimed at cutting river pollution while reshaping how sewage sludge is regulated.
The plan combines tighter controls on the spread of sludge and simplification of existing agricultural water rules, in what ministers describe as a major reset of the regulatory system.
Government figures show 41% of England’s rivers, lakes and streams are affected by agricultural pollution, prompting a consultation to strengthen oversight of the use of sewage sludge on agricultural land.
Options under consideration include subjecting sludge to environmental permitting regulations, with the aim of increasing the protection of human health and the environment.
At the same time, ministers say current agricultural water regulations will be streamlined to remove duplication and complexity, making it easier for farmers to comply.
The measures form part of an environmental improvement plan and are parallel to reforms outlined in the Water White Paper, which sets out a wide-ranging review of how England’s water system is regulated.
However, the NFU warned that responsibility for reform should extend beyond the farm gate.
NFU chairman Tom Bradshaw said in response to the consultation: “This is an issue that needs to be addressed across the water supply chain.”
He said higher standards could only be achieved if farmers were supplied with inputs that met consistent quality and safety requirements.
“Industry and government investment in research and technology is essential to ensure that the raw materials that farmers extract are of high quality, safe and fit for purpose,” he said.
Water Minister Emma Hardy and Agriculture Minister Angela Eagle outlined the proposals at a roundtable with agriculture, water and environment stakeholders.
Ms Hardy said the changes were aimed at supporting farmers, not punishing them.
“By setting clearer guidelines and providing better support, we will make it easier for farmers to meet standards, farm sustainably and protect the environment,” she said.
The Environment Agency said it would prioritize environmental permits and support stronger regulations on the use of sludge.
Jenny Donovan, director of nature and places at the agency, said: “Our aim is to ensure that sewage sludge can be recycled back into agricultural land in a safe and sustainable way.”
“These proposed changes will reduce risks to human health and strengthen environmental protection,” she added.
The Government said its approach to tackling agricultural water pollution will continue to focus on advice and partnerships, rather than enforcement alone.
Funding has already been introduced to double the number of advice-led tests, enabling at least 6,000 tests a year by 2029.
Support for agribusiness will also continue through environmental land management plans, watershed-sensitive agricultural advice programs and targeted infrastructure grants.
He said farmers are now using sewage sludge as an alternative to manufactured fertilizers, and NFU plays an important role in the circular economy.
But unions warned that no changes should impose additional costs on farmers who are already under financial pressure.
“Farmers and producers are working hard to be environmentally responsible, but regulatory changes should not impose additional cost burdens on many farmers who are struggling to make a profit,” Mr Bradshaw said.
He said the NFU would continue to engage with Defra and the water industry, gathering feedback from members as the consultation process progresses.
