Asked by: Bill Wiggin (Conservative - North Herefordshire)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Dutch Nitrates Case ruling in the Court of Justice of the European Union (C-293/17 and C-294/17), what assessment he has made of the potential merits of the Dutch agricultural sector's approach to mitigating nitrate pollution in farming practices.
Answered by Rebecca Pow - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
I am aware of the challenges from excess nutrient pollution that you highlight and the impact this is posing for development in Herefordshire. Sites in England affected by the same issues as those raised in the 'Dutch nitrogen' case are internationally important for biodiversity, and host a wide range of rare river wildlife afforded protected status under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017). It is important to achieve the right balance of measures to allow sustainable development to continue whilst also securing improvement in the condition of our most important natural habitats.
We have therefore set up a monthly government task force involving MHCLG, Natural England and the Environment Agency to ensure a clear action plan is in place, focusing on solutions for both permitting housebuilding to resume while not compromising the condition of Protected Sites. Solutions are being brought forward, including agreed mitigation measures in the River Avon SAC and the development of wetland proposals in Herefordshire. A £3.9 million Defra pilot in the Solent in Hampshire, aims to test market-based approaches that, if successful, could be replicated across the country.
I am continuing to discuss Natural England's approach with them and officials are working on additional support and updated guidance to be provided to Herefordshire and other affected catchments as well as working closely with local authorities across the country to support the implementation of nutrient neutral approaches.
We are also introducing a range of new measures in the Environment Bill to help facilitate improved collaboration, reductions in pollution and provide a more statutory footing for more innovative strategic approaches (such as those which have been used in the Solent) through the introduction of Protected Site Strategies. These aim to bring together key stakeholders to strategically address the multiple and complex offsite pressures protected sites face, identifying potential options to conserve and restore these sites whilst maximising local economic benefits. The way they will do this is by encouraging the design of bespoke solutions up front to address the cumulative, offsite issues affecting our most sensitive habitats.
The Government is also committed to addressing the sources of nutrient pollution, including by working with farmers. We have committed in the Agricultural Transition Plan (to replace EU-scheme-based regulation and enforcement with a new, more effective, and trusted approach and bring forward a slurry investment scheme from 2022 to address a key source of agricultural diffuse pollution. Catchment Sensitive Farming advice and Countryside Stewardship incentives also aim to reduce pollution from agricultural sources and Environmental Land Management will also incentivise actions that protect the environment. Work is also underway to tackle phosphate pollution from wastewater treatment through Catchment Partnerships and the recently announced Storm Overflows Taskforce seeks to make further improvements in this space.
Finally, officials take an evidence-based approach to policy development and look to learn from practices in other countries where similar challenges are faced. However, I have not spoken to my Dutch counterpart and do not believe my officials have consulted their respective counterparts, but we will continue to seek engagement opportunities with other countries on specific issues if required.
Asked by: Bill Wiggin (Conservative - North Herefordshire)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with its Dutch counterpart in relation to the Dutch Nitrates Case ruling in the Court of Justice of the European Union, C-293/17 and C-294/17 and the restarting of housebuilding in affected areas in that country.
Answered by Rebecca Pow - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
I am aware of the challenges from excess nutrient pollution that you highlight and the impact this is posing for development in Herefordshire. Sites in England affected by the same issues as those raised in the 'Dutch nitrogen' case are internationally important for biodiversity, and host a wide range of rare river wildlife afforded protected status under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017). It is important to achieve the right balance of measures to allow sustainable development to continue whilst also securing improvement in the condition of our most important natural habitats.
We have therefore set up a monthly government task force involving MHCLG, Natural England and the Environment Agency to ensure a clear action plan is in place, focusing on solutions for both permitting housebuilding to resume while not compromising the condition of Protected Sites. Solutions are being brought forward, including agreed mitigation measures in the River Avon SAC and the development of wetland proposals in Herefordshire. A £3.9 million Defra pilot in the Solent in Hampshire, aims to test market-based approaches that, if successful, could be replicated across the country.
I am continuing to discuss Natural England's approach with them and officials are working on additional support and updated guidance to be provided to Herefordshire and other affected catchments as well as working closely with local authorities across the country to support the implementation of nutrient neutral approaches.
We are also introducing a range of new measures in the Environment Bill to help facilitate improved collaboration, reductions in pollution and provide a more statutory footing for more innovative strategic approaches (such as those which have been used in the Solent) through the introduction of Protected Site Strategies. These aim to bring together key stakeholders to strategically address the multiple and complex offsite pressures protected sites face, identifying potential options to conserve and restore these sites whilst maximising local economic benefits. The way they will do this is by encouraging the design of bespoke solutions up front to address the cumulative, offsite issues affecting our most sensitive habitats.
The Government is also committed to addressing the sources of nutrient pollution, including by working with farmers. We have committed in the Agricultural Transition Plan (to replace EU-scheme-based regulation and enforcement with a new, more effective, and trusted approach and bring forward a slurry investment scheme from 2022 to address a key source of agricultural diffuse pollution. Catchment Sensitive Farming advice and Countryside Stewardship incentives also aim to reduce pollution from agricultural sources and Environmental Land Management will also incentivise actions that protect the environment. Work is also underway to tackle phosphate pollution from wastewater treatment through Catchment Partnerships and the recently announced Storm Overflows Taskforce seeks to make further improvements in this space.
Finally, officials take an evidence-based approach to policy development and look to learn from practices in other countries where similar challenges are faced. However, I have not spoken to my Dutch counterpart and do not believe my officials have consulted their respective counterparts, but we will continue to seek engagement opportunities with other countries on specific issues if required.
Asked by: Bill Wiggin (Conservative - North Herefordshire)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with Natural England on the Dutch Nitrates Case ruling from the Court of Justice of the European Union, C-293/17 and C-294/17; and what steps he plans to take to tackle nitrate pollution in England.
Answered by Rebecca Pow - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
I am aware of the challenges from excess nutrient pollution that you highlight and the impact this is posing for development in Herefordshire. Sites in England affected by the same issues as those raised in the 'Dutch nitrogen' case are internationally important for biodiversity, and host a wide range of rare river wildlife afforded protected status under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017). It is important to achieve the right balance of measures to allow sustainable development to continue whilst also securing improvement in the condition of our most important natural habitats.
We have therefore set up a monthly government task force involving MHCLG, Natural England and the Environment Agency to ensure a clear action plan is in place, focusing on solutions for both permitting housebuilding to resume while not compromising the condition of Protected Sites. Solutions are being brought forward, including agreed mitigation measures in the River Avon SAC and the development of wetland proposals in Herefordshire. A £3.9 million Defra pilot in the Solent in Hampshire, aims to test market-based approaches that, if successful, could be replicated across the country.
I am continuing to discuss Natural England's approach with them and officials are working on additional support and updated guidance to be provided to Herefordshire and other affected catchments as well as working closely with local authorities across the country to support the implementation of nutrient neutral approaches.
We are also introducing a range of new measures in the Environment Bill to help facilitate improved collaboration, reductions in pollution and provide a more statutory footing for more innovative strategic approaches (such as those which have been used in the Solent) through the introduction of Protected Site Strategies. These aim to bring together key stakeholders to strategically address the multiple and complex offsite pressures protected sites face, identifying potential options to conserve and restore these sites whilst maximising local economic benefits. The way they will do this is by encouraging the design of bespoke solutions up front to address the cumulative, offsite issues affecting our most sensitive habitats.
The Government is also committed to addressing the sources of nutrient pollution, including by working with farmers. We have committed in the Agricultural Transition Plan (to replace EU-scheme-based regulation and enforcement with a new, more effective, and trusted approach and bring forward a slurry investment scheme from 2022 to address a key source of agricultural diffuse pollution. Catchment Sensitive Farming advice and Countryside Stewardship incentives also aim to reduce pollution from agricultural sources and Environmental Land Management will also incentivise actions that protect the environment. Work is also underway to tackle phosphate pollution from wastewater treatment through Catchment Partnerships and the recently announced Storm Overflows Taskforce seeks to make further improvements in this space.
Finally, officials take an evidence-based approach to policy development and look to learn from practices in other countries where similar challenges are faced. However, I have not spoken to my Dutch counterpart and do not believe my officials have consulted their respective counterparts, but we will continue to seek engagement opportunities with other countries on specific issues if required.
Asked by: Bill Wiggin (Conservative - North Herefordshire)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of the continued implementation of the Dutch Nitrates Case ruling from the Court of Justice of the European Union (C-293/17 and C-294/17) in the UK.
Answered by Rebecca Pow - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
I am aware of the challenges from excess nutrient pollution that you highlight and the impact this is posing for development in Herefordshire. Sites in England affected by the same issues as those raised in the 'Dutch nitrogen' case are internationally important for biodiversity, and host a wide range of rare river wildlife afforded protected status under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017). It is important to achieve the right balance of measures to allow sustainable development to continue whilst also securing improvement in the condition of our most important natural habitats.
We have therefore set up a monthly government task force involving MHCLG, Natural England and the Environment Agency to ensure a clear action plan is in place, focusing on solutions for both permitting housebuilding to resume while not compromising the condition of Protected Sites. Solutions are being brought forward, including agreed mitigation measures in the River Avon SAC and the development of wetland proposals in Herefordshire. A £3.9 million Defra pilot in the Solent in Hampshire, aims to test market-based approaches that, if successful, could be replicated across the country.
I am continuing to discuss Natural England's approach with them and officials are working on additional support and updated guidance to be provided to Herefordshire and other affected catchments as well as working closely with local authorities across the country to support the implementation of nutrient neutral approaches.
We are also introducing a range of new measures in the Environment Bill to help facilitate improved collaboration, reductions in pollution and provide a more statutory footing for more innovative strategic approaches (such as those which have been used in the Solent) through the introduction of Protected Site Strategies. These aim to bring together key stakeholders to strategically address the multiple and complex offsite pressures protected sites face, identifying potential options to conserve and restore these sites whilst maximising local economic benefits. The way they will do this is by encouraging the design of bespoke solutions up front to address the cumulative, offsite issues affecting our most sensitive habitats.
The Government is also committed to addressing the sources of nutrient pollution, including by working with farmers. We have committed in the Agricultural Transition Plan (to replace EU-scheme-based regulation and enforcement with a new, more effective, and trusted approach and bring forward a slurry investment scheme from 2022 to address a key source of agricultural diffuse pollution. Catchment Sensitive Farming advice and Countryside Stewardship incentives also aim to reduce pollution from agricultural sources and Environmental Land Management will also incentivise actions that protect the environment. Work is also underway to tackle phosphate pollution from wastewater treatment through Catchment Partnerships and the recently announced Storm Overflows Taskforce seeks to make further improvements in this space.
Finally, officials take an evidence-based approach to policy development and look to learn from practices in other countries where similar challenges are faced. However, I have not spoken to my Dutch counterpart and do not believe my officials have consulted their respective counterparts, but we will continue to seek engagement opportunities with other countries on specific issues if required.
Asked by: Bill Wiggin (Conservative - North Herefordshire)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions officials in his Department have had with representatives of their Dutch counterpart on the Dutch Nitrates Case ruling in the Court of Justice of the European Union (C-293/17 and C-294/17).
Answered by Rebecca Pow - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
I am aware of the challenges from excess nutrient pollution that you highlight and the impact this is posing for development in Herefordshire. Sites in England affected by the same issues as those raised in the 'Dutch nitrogen' case are internationally important for biodiversity, and host a wide range of rare river wildlife afforded protected status under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017). It is important to achieve the right balance of measures to allow sustainable development to continue whilst also securing improvement in the condition of our most important natural habitats.
We have therefore set up a monthly government task force involving MHCLG, Natural England and the Environment Agency to ensure a clear action plan is in place, focusing on solutions for both permitting housebuilding to resume while not compromising the condition of Protected Sites. Solutions are being brought forward, including agreed mitigation measures in the River Avon SAC and the development of wetland proposals in Herefordshire. A £3.9 million Defra pilot in the Solent in Hampshire, aims to test market-based approaches that, if successful, could be replicated across the country.
I am continuing to discuss Natural England's approach with them and officials are working on additional support and updated guidance to be provided to Herefordshire and other affected catchments as well as working closely with local authorities across the country to support the implementation of nutrient neutral approaches.
We are also introducing a range of new measures in the Environment Bill to help facilitate improved collaboration, reductions in pollution and provide a more statutory footing for more innovative strategic approaches (such as those which have been used in the Solent) through the introduction of Protected Site Strategies. These aim to bring together key stakeholders to strategically address the multiple and complex offsite pressures protected sites face, identifying potential options to conserve and restore these sites whilst maximising local economic benefits. The way they will do this is by encouraging the design of bespoke solutions up front to address the cumulative, offsite issues affecting our most sensitive habitats.
The Government is also committed to addressing the sources of nutrient pollution, including by working with farmers. We have committed in the Agricultural Transition Plan (to replace EU-scheme-based regulation and enforcement with a new, more effective, and trusted approach and bring forward a slurry investment scheme from 2022 to address a key source of agricultural diffuse pollution. Catchment Sensitive Farming advice and Countryside Stewardship incentives also aim to reduce pollution from agricultural sources and Environmental Land Management will also incentivise actions that protect the environment. Work is also underway to tackle phosphate pollution from wastewater treatment through Catchment Partnerships and the recently announced Storm Overflows Taskforce seeks to make further improvements in this space.
Finally, officials take an evidence-based approach to policy development and look to learn from practices in other countries where similar challenges are faced. However, I have not spoken to my Dutch counterpart and do not believe my officials have consulted their respective counterparts, but we will continue to seek engagement opportunities with other countries on specific issues if required.
Asked by: Bill Wiggin (Conservative - North Herefordshire)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate he Department has made of the quantity of cider apple crops that were wasted in the 2020 harvest due to the covid-19 outbreak.
Answered by Victoria Prentis - Attorney General
Defra produces annual estimates of horticultural crop production, including on cider apples and perry pears. These estimates include tonnage, value, and imports/exports, and allow the Government to monitor productivity and competitiveness within the industry, including supply and self-sufficiency. The latest available data is for 2019. These are available on gov.uk.
There are a number of reasons why crops may be unharvested, for example weather, pest and disease or a drop in demand. No estimates are made for the tonnage of cider apple crops left unharvested. As a result, no data is available to answer this question.
We have regular contact with stakeholders to understand live issues as they develop. For example, during the first set of national Coronavirus restrictions, we worked closely with the cider industry and the National Farmers’ Union to assess the impact of the pandemic on the sector.
Asked by: Bill Wiggin (Conservative - North Herefordshire)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of legislation on the containment of phosphates from agricultural waste within catchment areas.
Answered by Rebecca Pow - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Defra is committed to our ambitious targets in the 25 Year Environment Plan (found here) and are working to leave the environment in a better state than we found it.
In England there are several agricultural regulations on how farmers manage their use of nutrient rich material, including phosphorus, to protect water quality, biodiversity and human health. Some examples include:
The Government is currently reviewing these regulations to ensure that any future reform makes them as effective as possible in protecting our environment while minimising costs to business.
Asked by: Bill Wiggin (Conservative - North Herefordshire)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the existing legislative framework on agricultural waste management.
Answered by Rebecca Pow - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Defra is committed to our ambitious targets in the 25 Year Environment Plan (found here) and are working to leave the environment in a better state than we found it.
In England there are several agricultural regulations on how farmers manage their use of nutrient rich material, including phosphorus, to protect water quality, biodiversity and human health. Some examples include:
The Government is currently reviewing these regulations to ensure that any future reform makes them as effective as possible in protecting our environment while minimising costs to business.
Asked by: Bill Wiggin (Conservative - North Herefordshire)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what his Department's plans are to reduce pollution in the River Wye.
Answered by Rebecca Pow - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Defra is committed to improving our water environment and reducing the impact of excess nutrients, including on the River Wye.
Natural England, the Environment Agency and other partners, including Natural Resources Wales, have been working together through a Nutrient Management Board to find effective solutions and document these through an action plan which is currently being drafted. This will identify measures needed to both restore the site to favourable condition and seek to create capacity for development, without harming the natural environment.
Additionally, since 2016 the Environment Agency has been undertaking a significant amount of agricultural compliance and regulatory activity using satellite technology to identify and target locations at high risk of contributing to nutrient and soil pollution. This has been backed up by an extensive programme of advisory and support work delivered by Catchment Sensitive Farming and catchment partners such as the Wye and Usk Foundation and Herefordshire Wildlife Trust to improve agriculture sources of pollution to the River Wye.
Furthermore, there is work underway to tackle phosphate pollution from waste water treatment in the River Wye through catchment partnerships. The Nutrient Management Board, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water and the recently announced Storm Overflows Task Force will seek to make further improvements in this space.
I accept that there is more to be done. As this is a devolved matter I, and officials in my department, remain engaged with our Welsh counterparts to align efforts on cross-border pollution issues and monitor progress closely.
Asked by: Bill Wiggin (Conservative - North Herefordshire)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to tackle phosphate pollution in the River Wye.
Answered by Rebecca Pow - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Defra is committed to improving our water environment and reducing the impact of excess nutrients, including on the River Wye.
Natural England, the Environment Agency and other partners, including Natural Resources Wales, have been working together through a Nutrient Management Board to find effective solutions and document these through an action plan which is currently being drafted. This will identify measures needed to both restore the site to favourable condition and seek to create capacity for development, without harming the natural environment.
Additionally, since 2016 the Environment Agency has been undertaking a significant amount of agricultural compliance and regulatory activity using satellite technology to identify and target locations at high risk of contributing to nutrient and soil pollution. This has been backed up by an extensive programme of advisory and support work delivered by Catchment Sensitive Farming and catchment partners such as the Wye and Usk Foundation and Herefordshire Wildlife Trust to improve agriculture sources of pollution to the River Wye.
Furthermore, there is work underway to tackle phosphate pollution from waste water treatment in the River Wye through catchment partnerships. The Nutrient Management Board, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water and the recently announced Storm Overflows Task Force will seek to make further improvements in this space.
I accept that there is more to be done. As this is a devolved matter I, and officials in my department, remain engaged with our Welsh counterparts to align efforts on cross-border pollution issues and monitor progress closely.