EA confirms CSS grants are available for slurry stores covers

The Environment Agency has confirmed that permitted pig producers can apply for a Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) grant for fixed and floating covers for a slurry store.

The funding is available only in the high water priority areas targeted in the scheme, with Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) Officer approval. Producers would need to contact their CSFO by May 31 to arrange a visit and apply by July 31.

Last month, it was confirmed that once again, grant funding has been made available under CSS capital grant options to pig producers for slurry stores and lagoons, with the intention of addressing water quality measures.

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However, there was a question mark over funding for covering slurry stores as this is set to become mandatory for permitted units in 2021. 

Following queries from the NPA's Lizzie Wilson, the EA sought clarification from Natural England, which runs the scheme. It confirmed 'there is nothing in the Countryside Stewardship manual to say that it cannot fund a farm if it has a permit'.