Preparations are well underway at the NFU to help north west poultry farmers deal with yet another change to the way their industry is regulated.

Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) regulations will change much of major industry, including intensive agriculture - especially larger poultry units. The regulations are designed to prevent, reduce and eliminate pollution at source through the efficient use of natural resources.

IPPC covers emissions to air, land and water in addition to noise and vibration, energy efficiency, waste minimisation, environmental accidents and site protection.

Farms requiring a permit are those with more than 40,000 poultry. Permits must be applied for between November 1, 2006 and January 31, 2007.

The NFU is holding a series of information meetings for its members who fall into this category and will have to make business decisions based on this new legislation.

Dr Diane Mitchell from the NFU's environment department and Alison Holdsworth , who is the IPPC sector co-ordinator for the Environment Agency, will provide as much information at these meetings as possible.

The meeting dates and times are as follows: * May 24 - 10am at Saxon Cross Motel in Sandbach, Cheshire and 2pm at NFU regional office, Agriculture House, 1 Moss Lane View, Skelmersdale, Lancashire. * May 25 - 10am at NFU's Agriculture House on Cromwell Road in Penrith, Cumbria.

These events are open to all poultry subscribing members and refreshments will be provided.