Farm businesses are set to face greater scrutiny from the Environment Agency (EA) following an announcement that the number of annual inspections will increase by around 50% over the next four years. The move is part of a wider government strategy to improve environmental performance in agriculture and reduce pollution from farming activities.
Under the new plan, the number of farm inspections is expected to reach 6,000 per year by 2029.
A Stronger Regulatory Framework
The EA’s inspection programme focuses on enforcing environmental laws, including those around issues such as fertiliser use, slurry storage, soil health, and runoff into watercourses. While the core aim is to reduce pollution and protect rivers, lakes and wildlife, the shift also signals a firmer approach to compliance, with additional capacity for enforcement in cases of serious or repeated non-compliance.
Farms that present the highest risk to water quality will be prioritised. These will include areas where agricultural activity has already affected rivers or groundwater, or where large volumes of slurry and waste are handled.
What This Means for Farmers
For farmers, the implications are mixed. On one hand, most are interested in protecting the environment, however an increase in inspections is likely to be time-consuming or burdensome, particularly if you are already working to tight margins.
However, the Environment Agency has said the additional funding will help them to provide more advisory support, clearer guidance, and stronger links to farm networks and supply chains. This could mean a more supportive approach from the Environment Agency where they find a willingness to respond to advice.
Next Steps
For farm businesses, the coming years are likely to bring more regulatory engagement and higher expectations around environmental standards. Those already investing in sustainable practices may welcome the advisory elements of the changes, while others may need to reassess their compliance strategies to avoid enforcement actions as inspections ramp up.
In practical terms, now may be a good time for you to review your current practices, identify any potential risks, and make use of available support and guidance.
See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/major-boost-to-cut-agricultural-pollution