Nutrient Management Expert Group (NMEG)
The Nutrient Management Expert Group is advising Defra on how to minimise pollution from the use, manufacture, storage and distribution of nutrients intended for crops.
The Nutrient Management Expert Group (NMEG) was launched in November 2020. Its purpose is to review current evidence and past policy measures to provide recommendations to Defra on the optimal policy approaches to minimise pollution from the use, manufacture, storage and distribution of nutrients intended for crops.
The group is due to provide recommendations to Defra in winter 2022.
Objectives
NMEG will:
- independently review and analyse existing policy, alongside up-to-date technical and scientific evidence on fertilisers and nutrient management
- consider the multiple challenges surrounding nutrient management, and develop recommendations on the optimal policy approaches to minimise nitrogen-based and other pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from fertiliser use
- provide analysis on nutrient management which aids Defra in meeting the challenges of reaching net zero by 2050, protecting and enhancing soil health, improving water and air quality, protecting natural biodiversity and managing resources sustainably
- consider various forms of government intervention, including information, advice and guidance, financial support, fiscal instruments, legislation, and enforcement
- engage with sector sounding boards, including industry representatives and other key stakeholders, to ensure that recommendations have practical merit
Membership
NMEG members are independent appointments made through open competition, in line with Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA) guidelines on best practice for making public appointments. Members are expected to act in accord with the principles of public life.
Current members are:
- Chair: Professor Janet Dwyer (University of Gloucestershire)
- Professor Dave Chadwick (Bangor University)
- Professor Jessica Davies (University of Lancaster)
- Professor Vera Eory (Scotland’s Rural College)
- Professor Alex Inman (University of Exeter)
- Professor Penny Johnes (University of Bristol)
- Professor Mark Sutton (UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology)
- Dr Rachel Thorman (ADAS)
- Dr Sami Ullah (University of Birmingham)
- Professor Andy Whitmore (Rothamsted Research)
- John Williams (ADAS)
- Farming Adviser: James Price (Chair of AHDB Crop Nutrient Management Partnership)