Farmers could face clearer but tougher pollution rules, more testing and potential new permitting requirements under the plans set out in a major government water white paper.
The document, published by Defra and described as the “biggest water review in a generation”, proposes a review of how agricultural pollution is regulated as part of wider reforms to the water system.
Much of the white paper focuses on water companies, new regulatory powers and infrastructure investment, but it also puts agriculture firmly in the spotlight.
Defra said around 40% of river and groundwater pollution is linked to agricultural practices, underscoring the need for change.
“As part of water system reform, we need to ensure that farmers continue to play their part in tackling water pollution and are held fairly accountable if they do not comply,” the white paper says.
The ministry said farmers and land managers have told authorities that current rules fail to provide a clear framework for managing land, soil and crops with confidence.
Existing regulations have been described as “unclear, complex to administer and inconsistently applied”, which Defra warned leaves some farmers following best practice at a disadvantage.
In response, the government plans to integrate various regulatory elements.
“We will therefore consolidate the existing regulatory framework into a single, stronger and clearer national standard,” the document states.
It added that these standards could be strengthened and expanded “to achieve improved water conditions and to adequately protect air quality and soil health.”
Mr Defra said farmers, environmental groups and other stakeholders would be involved in shaping the new framework through a program to tackle agricultural pollution and further consultation.
In parallel, the Department has confirmed that it will consult in early 2026 on how the use of sewage sludge in agriculture will be regulated, including whether it should be brought within the environmental permit system.
It is also considering extending environmental permits to cattle farming, with the aim of more strictly regulating environmental risks.
The white paper said increased regulation would be combined with continued support for farmers, including assistance with water supply planning, local water storage and effective use of available water.
At the same time, tougher enforcement was described as a “fundamental part of our approach to supporting farmers to control pollution” and stressed that Defra must continue to meet its legal obligations.
Funding for farm inspections will be doubled to enable at least 6,000 inspections per year by 2029. Updated legal guidance on water agricultural regulations has already been published to clarify enforcement mechanisms.
The government said regulations and inspections will be implemented alongside environmental land management plans, watershed-smart farming advice and infrastructure grants to help farmers reduce pollution while strengthening the resilience of their operations.
“We will strive to balance food security with environmental protection and reduce pollution of agricultural water,” the document says.
The proposal received a cautious response from the pig industry. Lizzie Wilson, CEO of the National Pig Association (NPA), said: “We welcome the move to simplify the various regulatory elements that currently exist.”
“However, whatever is proposed must be practically applicable, enforceable and ultimately deliver environmental improvement outcomes.”
She added: “We also welcome moves to increase compliance with equivalent standards across agriculture to truly address the issues raised in the White Paper.”
Further consultation on the details of the proposals is expected to take place later this year and into 2026.
