Get up to speed with waste

Are you up to speed with the requirements of the new Agricultural Waste Regulations?

Adas is inviting farmers and growers to to a free on-farm agricultural waste event at Manor Farm Morley, near Wymondham on Thursday.

The event will outline the impact of the Agricultural Waste Regulations which came into force last May and will include a farm walk to examine relevant waste issues and to identify solutions.

The events are being run as part of the Defra-sponsored Environment Sensitive Farming (ESF) initiative.

"There will be two sessions on each day," said Adas waste expert Tom Brassington at 10am, repeated at 1.30pm. The emphasis will be on practical guidance so that farmers come away with a clear idea of what they need to do."

"The new regulations affect every holding classed as premises used for agriculture under the 1947 Agriculture Act in England so we are expecting plenty of interest," he added.

"We will be covering farmers' new responsibilities under the 'duty of care' provisions, how to apply for an exemption, what constitutes waste and associated new business opportunities."

In plain English 'exemptions' allow low risk re-use and recycling activities to continue on farm without the need to apply for a full waste management licence - for example, the burning of waste wood or straw in a properly designed heater in a workshop or the use of tyres on a silage clamp. In other words, exemptions are nothing to fear; in fact they are good news for farmers.

Farmers have until May 15, 2007 to register the exemptions on their farm. There is no charge for registering agricultural waste exemptions, and with the odd exception it should only need to be done once.

Book on the events line on 0845 602 3864 or vist the website for details, www.environmentsensitivefarming.co.uk