Requirements for farmers holding farm animals

The end of this year is approaching when livestock holdings with more than 15 animal units have been built for manure storage. This is determined by Cabinet Regulation No. 829 of 23 November 2014, “Special requirements for the performance of polluting activities in animal housing”.
It must be remembered that in the summer of 2014, the issue of manure storage, which had to be built by 27 July of that year, was a topical issue. The State Environmental Service carried out controls which led to the fact that there was still much to be done in this area. In agreement with the European Commission, an extension of the transitional period was reached, in which farmers had to carry out certain tasks. The time has passed, and the deadlines for the execution of the work are approaching. In accordance with adopted CABINET Regulation No 829, holdings with, for example, 22 or more dairy cows or suckler cows (more than 15 animal units), manure storage must be installed or arranged by 31 December 2016. In holdings with 10-15 animal units, manure storage must be constructed by 31 December 2017. The manure storage is not necessary if animals are kept in deep sheds or beef cattle. At the same time, these farms need to know what conditions exist for manure management.
The factor applicable to the calculation of animal units differs when calculating unit payments (payments to areas where there are significant natural constraints, previously called THE MLA payment) or, if the livestock unit is invoiced, the manure storage.
It is likely that no discounts on non-compliance with the requirements will be allowed. If the storage conditions are not built or the storage conditions are not met, the owner of the farm will have to pay the penalty. This may concern the reduction in direct payments and the limitation of the mobilisation of European funds.
The construction of a storage facility requires relatively large cash investments. Participation in support measures for rural development programmes is one of the options for the mobilisation of financial resources.
The issue of manure storage is very topical, affecting all farmers holding farm animals. The rules apply to both large holdings and small.
THE Rēzekne division OF SIA “Latvian Rural Advisory and Education Centre” shall organise a free informative seminar within the framework of the State Rural Network event, in which the precise information regarding the issues regarding the legislative conditions for the performance of polluting activities in animal housing, the storage of manure, the authorisation of the State Environmental Service, the receipt of certification for activities, regarding controls shall be available. Both the conditions for the submission of the aid measure “aid for investments in agricultural holdings”.
Be active and responsible, visit the seminar because you will be able to receive not only information but also answers to questions of interest.
The seminar will be held on 8 December at 10.00 Rēzekne, garden street 7a, seminar hall. A seminar programme can be found on the website www.laukutikls.lv or Rezekne's consulting office.
Seminar for SIA “Latvian Centre for Rural Consultation and Education” Rēzekne Division Rural Development consultant Valija Jekimovas tel. 28373688, 4625254.