Agricultural guidance

Prevention of Environmental Pollution From Agricultural Activity (PEPFAA Code) – Code of good practice

The purpose of the PEPFAA Code is to provide practical guidance for farmers and those involved in agricultural activities, on minimising the risks of environmental pollution from farming operations. SEPA works alongside the Scottish Government Environment Directorate, the National Farmers Union Scotland, and the Scottish Agricultural College in producing and monitoring the code.

There are two versions of the PEPFAA code  available, the full version and a shorter, PEPFAA do’s and don’ts guide . Both versions of the code are accessible via the links.

The full version of the code is a technical document containing more detailed guidance aimed primarily at agricultural advisors and consultants. The Do’s and Don’ts Guide contains key points from the full version, and is designed as an easy to use, quick reference for farmers, crofters and those directly involved in agricultural activities.

Both versions are divided into 13 separate sections and are designed to be read separately.

Each section contains a list of relevant Do’s and Don’ts and indicates which are mandatory (i.e. legal requirements), which are requirements for receipt of the Single Farm Payment (SFP) and which are voluntary good practice measures. In the full version, each section goes on to discuss each topic in more detail and summarise the relevant legislation.

NetRegs

NetRegs is a website that provides free environmental guidance for businesses in the UK with specific information on Agriculture  and Scottish Regulations . Guidance can help you to understand what you need to do; how to comply with environmental legislation and protect the environment. Environmental regulations are continuously changing to reflect the world in which we live. NetRegs offers up-to-date guidance on the latest regulations. Visit the NetRegs website to sign up for e-alerts.

Controlled Activities Regulations 2005 - a practical guide

The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2005 (CAR) - a practical guide.  (540kb)

This guide provides practical and succinct advice on the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2005 (as amended) 1 – the regulations are more commonly referred to as the Controlled Activities Regulations or CAR.

The guide introduces the Regulations, provides advice on the activities controlled by them and outlines how specific activities are authorised by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

Four Point Plan

This contains simple guidance for livestock farmers aiming to reduce the risk of pollution from the management of manures and slurries. It also provides advice on how to reduce dirty water around the farm. SEPA is represented on the steering group by the project officer in water resource management, and has provided significant input to the development of this guidance. The plan is divided into 4 sections, covering minimising dirty water around a steading, better nutrient use, a risk assessment for manure and slurry (RAMS) and managing water margins.

Full details of the 4 Point Plan. 

Farm Soils Plan

The Farm Soils Plan offers basic guidance for all farmers and crofters throughout Scotland. This is produced by the project officer in water resource management, in which SEPA is closely involved together with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Scotland , Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) , National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS) , Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)  and Scottish Government .

The guidance covers assessing soil types, recognising and rectifying poor soil conditions, targeted nutrient application, reducing soil erosion and protecting water quality.

Assessing compliance with the soil aspects of Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC) can help farmers to protect their Single Farm Payment (SFP). A guide is contained within the plan.

Farm Soils Plan  (1.61mb)  

Sheep Dipping Code of Practice

The Sheep Dipping Code of Practice provides Scottish farmers, crofters and contractors with straightforward guidance on pollution prevention and good practice. The code describes legislative requirements and offers advice on how to manage the pollution risks posed by sheep dip and comply with the relevant regulations.

The PEPFAA code  also contains guidance on how to prevent pollution by sheep dip chemicals.

Guide to agricultural waste

This leaflet highlights how farmers must deal with their waste and covers key areas of interest such as waste production in agriculture, manure and slurry, burning agricultural waste and farm tips.

Further information on a range of waste issues, including waste minimisation is available from: Agriculture and waste  (936k)

Pesticides

The code of practice for using plant protection products in Scotland provides guidance on the safe use of  pesticide products. The code covers training and certification, planning and preparation, working with pesticides, disposing of pesticide waste and record keeping.   

More information on pesticides in farming is available here  (31k)