Farmers and landowners have until the end of September to ensure they are handling waste correctly as new rules come into force.
Most farmers registered their current Agricultural Waste Exemptions before 2010, when the latest regulations came into force. They expire at the end of this month and old exemptions have been replaced by a new list of exempt activities.
The Environment Agency have advised that some are almost identical to exemptions in the old system, others are similar but have different limits and conditions and some are completely new so it is important to check that you are able to comply before applying. Failure to register means that from September 30 farmers and landowners will be operating without a permit and committing a criminal offence.
Farmers are being asked to register online. Guidance and further information is available at www.environmentagency.gov.uk/farmexemptions
