Explanatory note

This Order further amends the Nitrate Sensitive Areas (Designation) Order 1990 (“the principal Order”).Under section 95 of the Water Resources Act 1991 the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food may, in areas designated as nitrate sensitive areas, enter into agreements with farmers imposing obligations on them with respect to the management of the land in return for payments.The principal Order designates certain nitrate sensitive areas and differentiates between basic and premium scheme agreements.

Following a review of payment rates in accordance with article 7(2) of the principal Order, this Order increases the rates of payment for agreements made under the premium scheme (article 3 and the Schedule).The new rates will not apply in respect of any claim for payment in relation to a period ending before 1st August 1993 (article 4).