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The article highlights the decision of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to delay plans that would have forced farmers in Great Britain to replace aging slurry stores. The proposals require all silage clamps and slurry and fuel stores built before 1991 to comply with the Control of Pollution Regulations. According to DEFRA, the plans would have affected more than 20 percent of existing stores and clamps at a cost of tens of millions of pounds.

The article reports on the decision of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to delay plans that would have forced farmers in Great Britain to replace aging slurry stores. The proposals require all silage clamps and slurry and fuel stores built before 1991 to comply with the Control of Pollution Regulations. According to DEFRA, the plans would have affected more than 20 percent of existing stores and clamps at a cost of tens of millions of pounds.

The author reflects on the need for a unified British Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in tackling agricultural and environmental issues. He says that the agency must develop comprehensive policies for food production and supply, linked to the environment and the rural society. He states that at present, DEFRA does not seem to operate as a joined-up ministry and policies in these issues seem to be developed individually and are subject to lobbying by their separate interest groups.