Green light for compost use

A BAN on the use of composted plant waste from councils, businesses and gardens on Scottish farmland is to be partially lifted.

Quality Meat Scotland and NFU Scotland announced the move yesterday for materials composted under the British Standards Institute PAS100 specification.

The embargo on composts treated under any other operating regime will remain in place.

The change of heart follows new scientific advice from Aberdeen's Macaulay Land Use Research Institute that has given farming leaders an assurance the compost from the PAS100 system is safe for use on farms.

The ban stemmed from fears that composts could be contaminated with food waste and therefore pose significant animal-disease threats.

Michael Gibson, the Moray farmer and butcher who is chairman of the QMS cattle and sheep assurance scheme standard-setting body, said: “There’s been a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes and I am delighted that we have been able to find a robust solution for green waste usage that’s safe for both consumers and livestock.

“An interim green compost scheme should be up and running very shortly, well in time for this year’s winter sowings."

NFU Scotland vice-president Nigel Miller said: “These changes mark a sensible first step forward to allow certain soil improvers to be used on farm in a safe and responsible way"