Bespoke on-farm workshops from AHDB Pork are helping farm managers and stockpeople learn more about their responsibilities under the Environmental Permitting Regulations, particularly how to avoid non-compliances and fines.
“Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR), formerly Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC), aim to reduce pollution from industrial activity by controlling emissions,” explains Susan Rabbich, AHDB Pork’s environment and building research coordinator.
“This means that indoor pig keepers with more than 2000 finishing pig places (above 30 kg), or 750 sow places (including served gilts), at a site are required to obtain a permit from the Environment Agency (EA),” she adds.
The workshops aim to help farm managers and workers understand exactly what having an environmental permit means for their businesses and the team.
“Subjects such as typical permit breaches, site and accident management plans, and how to deal with odour complaints are covered. However, no farm situation is the same, so workshops can be tailored to individual farm circumstances,” she says.
“It’s not just about farm managers. We want to engage with stockpeople too in order to help them understand how day-to-day activities can make a difference to how well the farm is complying with its permit.
“All the feedback from the workshops we’ve carried out so far has been really positive. One producer reported how the EA was impressed by their organisation and prior planning, and were sure it helped with their inspection. They also noted that although the training was free, they would have been willing to pay for it, as it was extremely worthwhile.
“Other farm managers and workers now understand their responsibilities much better, particularly when it comes to inspections. And the fact that we can also help with permitting applications is a real advantage.”
