Farmers can now keep abreast of changes to environmental legislation thanks to a new registration tool from NetRegs –www.netregs.gov.uk– the free website offering practical advice to small businesses on their environmental obligations.
The new tool was launched as the latest environment survey of small businesses reveals that 78% of farmers asked could not name any environmental legislation, while 56% want more information and advice on environmental issues.
Farmers can register on NetRegs – set up by the UK’s environmental regulators – to receive free email updates about environmental issues affecting them and links to further information and advice. The e-alerts can be personalised to provide information relating to the agriculture sector, such as details of the new rules on agricultural waste, as well as more general environmental updates on subjects including water and land.
By ensuring they comply with environmental legislation, farmers not only reduce the risk of prosecution but can also reap commercial benefits in terms of cost savings and improved relationships with suppliers. According to the survey, 57% of farmers agreed that complying with environmental legislation could help cut operating costs, while 74% felt that it could help create good customer relations.
NFU
Environment Agency