Farmer-friendly IPPC courses
(April 2004)

Pork Chain Solutions has invested many hours sifting the overwhelming array of literature concerning IPPC regulations. The outcome has been the creation of a one-day training course aimed at pig farmers, unit managers, stockpeople and those working in allied industries. All these sectors will have responsibilities within the IPPC legislation framework.

The course is aimed at groups of up to twelve people brought together in an informal environment where the emphasis is on participation and discussion. In effect, course participants are lead gently but effectively through all the red-tape and their IPPC responsibilities are clarified.

The course is supported with a workbook topped-up with technical information. It aims to enable participants to return to their businesses clued-up on IPPC matters, more confident about what they need to do next and with the back-up of a farmer-friendly manual.

The course has been piloted in East Anglia and after-course appraisals by the 70-plus participants involved have shown a high level of satisfaction.

Individuals and groups that are interested in Pork Chain Solutions' unique one-day course are invited to contact us for further information.

Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control
(September 2003)

Pig farms with over 750 breeding sow places producing weaners or 2,000 finishing places over 30kgs will have to comply by early 2007. For a typical breeding and feeding unit this equates to a herd size of around 350-400 sows, depending on performance levels as shown below.

Calculated herd size at various levels of productivity for a Breeding & Feeding unit to meet the current IPPC threshold of 2,000 finishing pig places
  Number of weeks accommodation from 30kgs to finish
  11 12 13 14 15
Pigs/sow/year          
18 525 481 444 413 385
20 473 433 400 371 347
22 430 394 364 338 315
24 394 361 333 310 289
26 364 333 308 286 267
Notes: The threshold is based on the number of pig places, not actual stock numbers, for pigs over 30 kgs, and in the above calculations the number of weeks of available accommodation has been used to express this. For a given situation this will be determined by growth rate, sale weight, and resting time between batches.

These larger pig units will have to abide by a 'Rule Book' which describes Standard Farming Installation Rules and Guidance. The rules have been put together by the Environment Agency who will also function as the 'pollution police.'

There will be an obligation for owners to keep pig farm staff informed about their responsibilities. Under 'The Rules' there is a particular responsibility to train farm staff on:

  • The consequences of their actions when handling all resources and potential pollutants

  • Prevention of accidental releases and action to be taken should an accident occur

  • Awareness of the 'Emergency Plan' such that they are fully conversant with those areas relevant to their duties

Inevitably this will involve the ascension of a steep learning curve first for farmers and unit managers and then for the staff at the sharp end. Those involved should prepare themselves for much thinking, much take-up of time and the generation of their very own paper mountain.

The Environment Agency's 'selling point' is that the regulations not only help protect the environment but also help stop money being wasted and lead to improved farm management. The 'Integration' label applies to the consideration of what should be done about emissions from the pig unit to air, water, and land, noise is also an issue. Farmers will be required to monitor the use of water, energy and raw materials and encourage the reduction of waste and the potential to pollute.

A key requirement is that within 18 months of the IPPC permit being granted a 'Waste Management Audit' must be undertaken and this must be made available to the Environment Agency on request. Furthermore, a 'Manure Management Plan' which takes account of the nutrient status of manures, storage capacity, loading facilities, availability of on-farm and off-farm land for spreading, comprises part of the actual permit application. In situations where there are 'Receptors' i.e. people likely to be affected by pollution and complain about it, an 'Odour Management Plan' is required. Brains will also have to quietly concentrate on a 'Noise Reduction Plan' not to mention a well-thought out and clearly documented protocol on 'Emergency Procedures', and it goes on... and on.

The key message is that the EU does not want large pig units despite low pig prices and the need for efficiency and lower fixed costs demanding them. What's more the owners and workers at existing and proposed new large pig units are not only going to have to take special measures to minimise waste and pollution but they will have to be seen to be taking those measures. If ignored, Directive 96/61EC will not go away. No doubt opportunities will be taken during the dark winter months for farmers and their staff to ascertain just what is expected of them.

Pork Chain Solutions in association with LANTRA has prepared a one day training course for owners and unit managers who will be responsible for ensuring that the labour force is familiar with the demanding IPPC requirements. Further details are available from PCS.