18 November 2024

WWF Comment

For immediate release

WWF Statement on OEP investigation

Commenting on the OEP investigation, Gavin Crowden, Director of Advocacy at WWF said:

"We welcome this very positive step by the OEP.

As outlined in our Complaint, the Statutory Guidance conflicts with the Farming Rules for Water and therefore encourages breaches of laws designed to protect nature.

Nitrogen pollution from agriculture remains a leading cause of damage to our rivers, and for too long Government and the Environment Agency have failed to prevent it.

Alongside its broader Water Review, DEFRA now has the opportunity to fix this guidance and ensure that agricultural regulation is clear, fair and effective. This is needed, alongside well-designed incentives, so that farmers can keep producing plenty of healthy food while helping to meet our climate and nature goals."