23 Apr 2026 Environment Agency increases the number of inspections for agriculture

The EA (Environment Agency) is working to increase the number of farm inspections by employing an additional 84 Agricultural Regulatory Inspection Officers across England.  They have been focusing on delivering an advice-led approach that aims to help farmers make improvements, rather than seeking prosecutions.  Many of the EA inspections that take place, are selected on a risk basis but they may routinely visit all farm’s in a river’s catchment area.   Farms being inspected will be contacted to arrange a date and time and sent a list of documents and areas the inspectors will need to see.  The whole inspection usually takes between one and three hours, but may be longer depending on the size of your farm and the advice needed.  Should any non-compliances be found, the officer will discuss the actions needed and agree an appropriate and reasonable timeframe for completion. You’ll receive a post-inspection report, usually within two weeks.