The Victorian Farmers Federation and United Dairyfarmers of Victoria have welcomed the Environmental Protection Authority's livestock manure determination, which will mean no additional paperwork for farmers receiving animal manure on farm.
VFF president Emma Germano said the determination came after constructive negotiations between the VFF, other industry bodies and the EPA.
"Animal manure is an important part of many of our farming systems and farmers are experienced at managing its use and application," she said.
"The determination means that if you are doing the right thing on farm when receiving and utilising animal manure, you do not have to change your practices and you do not have to complete any additional paperwork."
The determination applies to the use of animal manure as a soil amendment and for irrigation when the manure is transferred between properties.
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The UDV said the change was a great outcome for farmers with the EPA adjusting the livestock manure determination to no longer require additional paperwork
This determination acknowledges that farmers know and understand waste management and means dairy farmers would not be buried in unnecessary paperwork, the UDV said.
Ms Germano said while the determination ensured farmers were not hit with any new regulatory obligations, a fight remained over the classification of animal manure as industrial waste.
"The VFF has made clear to the Victorian Government that the classification of manure as industrial waste is inappropriate and does not respect the role of manure in modern farming systems and carbon cycling," she said.
"Amendment of the EPA Act to create a new classification for animal manure that respects its role as a beneficial waste remains a key priority for the VFF."
The determination was gazetted on June 18 and will come into force at the commencement of the new EPA Act on July 1.
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