UFU President Graham Furey told Farming Life that some simple preparations, particularly where record-keeping for the Nitrates Directive is concerned, will greatly increase a farmers prospects of having a successful inspection.
"The UFU is urging its members to speak to Union Headquarters' staff for advice, if they are notified of an inspection," he added.
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency has confirmed that it is now carrying out cross-compliance inspections for the Nitrates Directive and other environmental aspects of Single Farm Payment cross-compliance.
``We are monitoring this situation closely and unfortunately the feedback is that a proportion of the inspections have not gone well, with Nitrates record keeping a particular problem area," stressed Graham Furey.
``Most of the records are already available on farm and claimants are given at least one week to prepare for inspection; so we are encouraging farmers to prepare well and avoid Single Farm Payment penalties. Our staff are available in Headquarters to help members make sure they are well prepared for an inspection.''
This year, 400 farms will be inspected in Northern Ireland. If there is a high percentage of penalties then this figure will increase next year. In particular the UFU says farmers and landlords should make themselves aware of the details of the Nitrates and Phosphorous Regulations. A Guidance booklet was sent to all farmers in January 2007 explaining the requirements and can also be found on the world wide web at: http://www.dardni.gov.uk/index/publications/pubs-dard-environmental/publications_environment-nitrates-guidancedoc.htm.
The Environment Agency will use 2007 farm records to partly assess farm compliance with the Nitrates and Phosphorus Regulations. Farmers and landlords should make sure their 2007 nitrates and phosphorous records are complete so that they are fully prepared for a farm inspection, if selected. Most of these records are already available on farm and keeping records up to date will help avoid a Single Farm Payment penalty on this aspect of Cross Compliance.
For a typical farm, the records required and the recommended sources of the information are as follows:
* Agricultural area, size and location of fields and crops can be ascertained from an IACS form or DARD farm map.
* In cases where land is taken by way of lease, rental or conacre agreement the Single Farm Payment (SFP) claimant, a written controller agreement between both parties must be available. There must also be evidence of the right to graze common land.
* All relevant livestock records can be sourced from the DARD herd or flock register or other records of animal numbers, species, types and length of time on farm. Farmers registered with APHIS on-line can obtain this information here.
* Records of the amount, type and date of manure imported/exported (including the name and address of providers/recipients/transporters, if different,) must be maintained.
* Where livestock manure storage is concerned, the capacity/dimensions of the tanks on the farms must be provided. Rental agreement for additional storage, a contractual agreement with processing facilities or evidence of access to an approved treatment or recovery outlet will be required, where appropriate.
* Details of livestock numbers, types and length of time housed are also relevant, as is information on whether animals are bedded or out-wintered. Where appropriate, details of slurry separation will be required.
* In cases where there is an approved FNMS application, details concerning the tonnages and Nitrogen contents of fertiliser stocks on 1 January and 31 December of the same year must be maintained. The same principle also holds for tonnages and Nitrogen content of fertiliser bought and sold and imported and exported throughout the year. This will include dated invoices or receipts. A soil nitrogen supply index for non-grass crops will be required, as will details of the previous crop grown and soil type.
* With regard to applications of artificial Phosphate (P), the IACS form or DARD farm map will show where P was applied with corresponding accredited soil analysis results confirming P requirement. Details of crop type, fertiliser type, P content, quantity and date applied will also be required.