How to cope with the imminent changes to the way waste is disposed of on farms will be the topic of a top level conference in Taunton next month (October).
The new Agricultural Waste Regulations are due to be implemented by the Government in December – with far reaching effects for farmers nationwide.
The proposed changes will implement EU legislation applying to waste from all sectors of the industry and mean that uncontrolled burning of waste on farms and the use of 'farm tips' will be unlawful.
The new regulations will mean agricultural waste will have to be disposed of, or recycled, in ways that protect human health and the environment. Uncontrolled burying or burning of agricultural waste on farms will be banned. And any waste handled or disposed of on the farm will be subject to waste management regulations - unless it is excluded from control by other regulations.
The ramifications of the new laws will come under the spotlight at the “Waste – are you at risk?” conference at Taunton Rugby Football Club at 7pm on Wednesday, October 26th.
The evening, organised by the Royal Bath & West of England Society, aims to let farmers know what effect the regulations will have and also to try and show farmers what can be done to reduce waste produced and how farmers can work together to dispose of it.
Sue Ellis, Chairman of DEFRA’s Agricultural Waste Stakeholders Forum, said: "We want to encourage farmers, suppliers, waste contractors and others involved in agricultural waste to start thinking now about the proposed changes.
"Many farmers are already changing the way they deal with waste, and research shows that the overwhelming majority - over 90 per cent - consider waste management important to their business. Farm suppliers will need to play their part by minimising their packaging and considering the viability of 'take back' schemes.
"And to maximise opportunities waste contractors will need to improve their understanding of the needs of the agriculture sector and develop systems to deal with this new waste stream."
Tickets for the conference will be £5.00 for Society members and £15.00 for non-members. There will be tea and coffee and a light finger buffet. For further details and tickets please contact Ellen Streatfeild on 01749 822 203, or book on the ticket credit card hotline on 01749 822 222. The closing date for ticket sales is 20th October.
For further information and pictures please contact:
Ellen Streatfeild, Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset.
Tel: (01749) 822 203 Fax: (01749) 823 169
e-mail: ellen.streatfeild@bathandwest.co.uk
