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Grassland derogation

If you farm grazing livestock and at least 80 per cent of your land is grassland, you may be eligible for a derogation from the livestock manure N farm limit.

NVZ regulations

NVZ regulations limit the amount of nitrogen (N) from livestock manure which can be applied across the farm to 170kg per hectare per year.

However, the UK government has successfully negotiated with the European Commission for a derogation to a higher limit to allow intensive grassland farmers more time to adapt their land management. This will ensure water is protected and improved.

Applying for grassland derogation

If you are an intensive grassland farmer, you may be eligible to apply for a 'grassland derogation' to allow you to farm up to a limit of 250kg of manure N per hectare per year from grazing livestock on your farm. The limit of 170kg N per hectare per year still applies for non-grazing livestock.

How do I apply for grassland derogation?

To be eligible to apply, you must ensure that at least 80 per cent of the agricultural area of your farm is grass throughout the year, and that the total loading in livestock manure to your farm does not exceed:  

  • 250 kg N per hectare from grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, deer, goats or horses)
  • 170 kg N per hectare from non-grazing livestock (veal calves, pigs and poultry)    

To benefit from a derogation you must apply each year and, if approved, comply with additional requirements over and above the existing NVZ rules. One such requirement is the submission of fertiliser accounts. The deadline for submission is the 30 April following the derogated year.

When to apply for grassland derogation

The application period for 2011 derogations has now closed. Applications for 2012 derogations can be made between 1 October and 31 December 2011.  

The European Commission agreement allowing derogations expires in England and Wales on 31 December 2012. There is no guarantee that derogations after this date will be possible.

Our role

We are responsible for assessing farmers’ compliance with the NVZ rules, and each year will visit three per cent of derogated farms. If you fail to comply with the derogation conditions, your derogation will be invalidated. You will then have to comply with the livestock manure N farm limit of 170 kg N per hectare per year. 

For further details, including how to apply for derogation and the conditions, refer to:

  • In England: Defra Guidance Leaflet 5a – The derogated livestock manure N farm limit.
  • In Wales: telephone the NVZ Wales Helpline on 01824 704060.