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With just five weeks to go, the NFU says it is receiving an increasing number of calls from farmers wanting to make the correct disposal arrangements but concerned by the lack of advice. The NFU has itself not yet been given comprehensive guidance.

NFU Deputy President Tim Bennett said: "We have been in talks with Defra officials for over a year about how the UK can comply with this new EU regulation.

"The NFU has suggested the most effective way must be a centrally-operated national disposal and collection scheme as exists in many other member states.

"At the moment, however, we have no agreement from Defra and no guidance on how farmers should cope in the meantime.

"Farmers are, quite rightly, extremely concerned about what will be permitted and what they should do once a total ban is imposed in a few weeks time. They do not want to find themselves falling foul of the law."

The NFU says it will continue to discuss a national disposal scheme with officials, but says it is absolutely crucial that government issues proper disposal guidelines - and quickly.

It suggests Defra should apply for a derogation if more time is needed to establish how the UK will cope with the EU regulation.

Source: National Farmers Union - 25th March 2003