Massive expansion of nitrate controls proposed

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Scottish Executive have proposed substantial increases in controls on nitrate inputs from farming. The measures are needed to secure compliance with the 1991 EU Directive on nitrates from agriculture and avoid substantial fines. The English proposals are particularly far-reaching, involving the designation of either all or 80% of the country as nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs).