Nitrate Vulnerable Zones Action Programme review: consultation
We are consulting on our review of the Action Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Scotland) Regulations 2008. We are reviewing the measures in the Action Programme to evaluate whether they remain sufficient to achieve the aim of reducing the loss of nitrate from farming to the water environment.
Closed
This consultation closed 13 October 2025.
View this consultation on consult.gov.scot, including responses once published.
Consultation analysis
7. Annual farm limit of nitrogen in livestock manures
7.1 Annual farm limit for nitrogen in livestock manures
The Nitrates Directive limits the total amount of nitrogen from livestock manure (including that deposited by grazing animals) that can be applied on a farm to 170kg of nitrogen per hectare per year. Our NVZ Action Programme implements this requirement in Scotland, which has been in place since the introduction of the NVZ Action Programme and remains unchanged in the Nitrates Directive.
The Scottish Government seeks to align with the EU where it is meaningful to do so and in a manner that seeks to contribute towards maintaining and advancing environmental standards. The annual farm limit of nitrogen in livestock manure and associated Action Programme measures are not under review at this time.
Contact
Email: waterenvironment@gov.scot