Proposals to revise the areas where farmers have to comply with the Nitrates Action Programme are now open to consultation.

Areas most at risk of surface water and groundwater being polluted through nitrates are designated as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs).

The proposals, which reflect the advances made in assessing the impact, are based on the outcome of the 2013 review into NVZs using the most up to date information and GIS mapping tools and include:

• reducing the area currently designated as NVZs in Scotland by 24 per cent
• designating one new area on the edge of the existing Strathmore/Fife area
• proposing one new NVZ area in the Stranraer Lowland, with further consultation required on this

The proposals will also is also seek to improve the maintenance and quality of Scotland’s water environment.

Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said:

“Protecting Scotland’s water environment is important to us all, and farming plays a key role in that protection.

“The Scottish Government recognises and supports the role the farming sector is already playing in reducing diffuse pollution impacts across the country.

“Brian Pack, as part of his ‘Doing Better’ review, has noted the need to review NVZ designated areas, as well as calling for the need to promote more efficient nutrient management practice to benefit farming, the environment and mitigate climate change, and that’s what we’ve done.

“It’s important that we get the views of those within the industry on these proposals, but where we can benefit farmers I would like to see this happen as soon as possible.”