Permitted pig and poultry farms have been reminded that, from January 2025, they need to complete retrospective nitrogen and phosphorus reporting for 2024.
AHDB has created a new mass balance calculator for permit holders to input individual farm data to report annual livestock nitrogen and phosphorus excretion levels.
Zanita Markham, AHDB’s projects and engagement relationship manager (Pork), said: “The tool asks for details on the number of pigs, diet types, protein and phosphorus levels of those diets, and the amount used within the year.
“It will then calculate the kilograms excreted per pig place per year for both nitrogen and phosphorus. This figure can then be provided to the EA. If it’s over the limit, it is recommended that you speak with your nutritionist about your options.”
The Environment Agency (EA) is also requiring that all permitted farms are required to produce a climate change risk assessment. They will find a risk assessment template, including links to the EA guidance, on AHDB’s EPR page.
The Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR) aim to reduce pollution from industrial action by controlling emissions.
AHDB recently announced British pig farmers have saved an estimated £15.3m in environmental mitigation costs thanks to significant progress in reducing ammonia emissions.
Approximately £250,000 of levy funds was allocated to kickstart its multi-year ammonia-monitoring trial, which developed an accurate suite of emission factors.
“This means costs – such as new buildings, dietary changes and slurry treatment technologies – that would otherwise have been needed to keep producers compliant are no longer required,” Zanita said.