Easy Access to DEFRA Rules for Farmers and Land Managers
New Search options for the legal rules that apply when you keep livestock or managing land have been launched on 27th March 2023. Once you have found the rules that apply to your farm, contact NIAB to sign up to have a farm assessment and a NIAB, Savills or AKC farm consultant can help you navigate the funds available and how to apply.
There are legal requirements around certain farming activities to protect people, livestock and the environment. The rules in cross compliance still apply and you must follow those rules on your holding to receive rural payments in full.

Livestock
Protect animal health and welfare
Protect the environment if you keep livestock
Manage land that you own or occupy
Manage farming and horticultural activities to prevent soil erosion and water pollution
Sites of special scientific interest: manage sites you own or occupy
Heather and grass burning: rules and when you need a licence
Change or improve rural land: check if you need to apply for an Environmental Impact Assessment
Use pest control products
Register as a professional user of plant protection products
Code of practice for using plant protection products: what you legally have to do
Apply products to your land
Plan your use of fertiliser or manure to reduce water pollution
Nitrate vulnerable zones: rules when you use fertilisers or store manure
Burning crop residues: restrictions and rules for farmers and land managers