• REA responds to the Environment Agency’s publication of a Regulatory Position Statement (RPS) on the spreading of organic manures on agricultural land;
• Conditions of the RPS makes it possible to have a plan to apply organic manure to agricultural land that may exceed the needs of the soil or crop, as long as it does not cause pollution;
• REA welcomes the clarity ahead of nutrient management planning for the autumn.

The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) have responded to the Environment Agency’s publication of a Regulatory Position Statement (RPS) on the spreading of organic manures[1] on agricultural land.

The Farming Rules for Water require that applications of organic manures (which includes composts and digestates) are planned and matched to soil and crop nutrient requirements and to manage any potential risk to water quality.

Those that follow the conditions of this RPS can have a plan to apply organic manure to agricultural land that may exceed the needs of the soil or crop. The plan must not cause a risk of pollution. To use the RPS, it must be proved that planned applications to land do not exceed the crop requirements for the duration of the current planned crop cycle. It does not apply to circumstances that can be avoided or planed for.

The REA has welcomed the clarity provided by the RPS.

Jenny Grant, Head of Head of Organics and Natural Capital at the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA), said:

“The REA welcomes the clarity provided by the RPS on the spreading of organic materials on agricultural land. The timing is crucial ahead of autumn nutrient management planning.

“It is important that nutrient applications are planned to ensure that their value is maximised and any losses are minimised. We want to ensure the best environmental outcome whilst making best use of these valuable resources.”

—ENDS—

For more information or to request an interview, please contact:

Jack Abbott, PR and Communications Manager,
07862 038370/ [email protected]

Notes to editors

Further information can be found here: https://www.r-e-a.net/resources/ea-regulatory-position-statement-on-spreading-organic-manures/

About the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA):

The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (known as the REA) is the UK’s largest trade association for renewable energy and clean technologies with around 550 members operating across heat, transport, power and the Circular Economy. The REA is a not-for-profit organisation representing fourteen sectors, ranging from biogas and renewable fuels to solar and electric vehicle charging. Membership ranges from major multinationals to sole traders.

For more information, visit: www.r-e-a.net

[1] Organic manures are made from one or more animal, plant or human sources