Rural Payments and Services

Commenting on Nitrate Vulnerable Zones a Scottish Government spokesperson said:

“There is no doubt that many parts of Scotland have experienced extremely challenging weather conditions this year, which has caused significant problems for farmers and crofters, including in the Stranraer Nitrate Vulnerable Zone area.

“The Scottish Government expects farmers to take every possible step to comply with the Nitrate Vulnerable Zones legal requirements, which have a vital role to play in protecting the environment and water quality. However, we recognise very clearly the challenges presented by recent weather conditions.

“While a blanket derogation from the Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Scotland) provisions cannot be applied due to EC regulatory requirements, relevant RPID area offices will liaise with affected farmers on a case by case basis to help them explore all practical options, which might be available to address current difficulties.

''RPID will look sympathetically, with as much flexibility as the regulations allow, at the scope for any mitigation of the risk of penalties being applied. Affected farmers are strongly encouraged to make urgent contact with their area office to discuss the best way to proceed that helps address their difficulties, minimises the impact on the environment and the risk of penalties applying.”