These pages tell you a little more about the revised NAP and its key elements. Below are the key changes in terms of practicality and approach.
Practical, workable measures
You said…
Improving water quality is important and should be evidence-based, but that some proposals were not practical or reflective of real farm conditions.
Our response…
New proposed measures are structured into clear categories that place greater emphasis on practical solutions that are workable at farm level, supported by advisory services and phased delivery (e.g. The Nutrient Stewardship Programme and the Tiered approach to LESSE).
One size does not fit all
You said…
A one-size-fits-all approach is not appropriate and that measures should be flexible and risk-based, particularly for buffer strips, slurry application, LESSE and nutrient limits.
Our response…
Introduce a focused, catchment-based approach to target action where risks are highest. Relevant measures include tiered and phased implementation, with flexible pathways to reflect differences between farms.
Cost & farm viability
You said…
Costs and impacts on farm viability are a major concern, especially for smaller farms and in relation to measures requiring new equipment or infrastructure.
Our response…
Some measures should be delivered over time, allowing farms to adapt (e.g. phased LESSE implementation to 2030). Proposals should be aligned with financial support, including the Sustainable Agriculture Programme, and measures included to improve efficiency and reduce input costs, such as updated excretion values and improved nutrient use. A detailed and rigorous Regulatory Impact Assessment to accompany the NAP consultation, providing costs and benefits of implementing the revised proposed measures. A full Economic Impact Assessment will be essential to help inform implementation.
Efficiency & innovation
You told us…
You support improved nutrient efficiency and circular approaches, but that greater clarity is needed on how these would work in practice.
Our response…
Introduce measures to help support slurry processing, processed organic fertilisers, anaerobic digestate management, strengthen nutrient tracking and develop a Nutrient Efficiency Roadmap to guide longer-term improvements.
Advisory and voluntary approaches
You told us…
Advisory, voluntary and supported approaches are preferable in some areas, rather than additional regulation.
Our response…
Introduce a mix of advisory, voluntary and regulatory measures, supported by CAFRE and wider advisory services. Measures such as liming, buffer strips and nutrient management are supported through guidance and knowledge transfer, alongside targeted regulation where needed.
You told us…
Greater investment in advice, guidance and financial support is needed to help farmers comply with the regulations.
Our response…
Expand advisory support including CAFRE, industry engagement, catchment-based advice and peer learning, alongside funding schemes and knowledge transfer measures. A Nutrient Efficiency Roadmap would support core advisory messages and implementation.
Administrative burden
You told us…
There are concerns about complexity, paperwork and administrative burden, particularly for smaller farms and new digital systems.
Our response…
Systems to simplify and modernise record-keeping, including improved online reporting. We clarified terminology and focused on proportionate, risk-based enforcement rather than blanket increases in inspection.