Nitrate Vulnerable Zone too draconian says farmers' union
The Welsh government's decision that the whole of the country will be classed a nitrate vulnerable zone (NVZ) from April 1 has been criticised by farmers who say it is draconian and indiscrimate.
Zones are declared where it is said that nitrate pollution could damage the land and get into the watercourses. Spreading slurry on land is one of the culprits.
Both the Farmers Union of Wales and NFU Cymru had wanted a voluntary approach to improving water quality.
The Farmers Union of Wales says it is wrong to introduce the measure during the pandemic and that the package to support farmers to adapt to the changes as ‘woefully inadequate’.
NFU Cymru President John Davies said: “NFU Cymru is absolutely clear that an all-Wales NVZ is indiscriminate and punitive. It will affect every farmer, every sector and every area of Wales who will be subject to draconian record keeping, complex restrictions on the day-to-day running of their businesses and, for many, exorbitant costs.
“NFU Cymru recognises that one pollution incident is one too many – we take our environmental responsibilities seriously. On behalf of our members, we have invested significant time and resources in good faith in working with government, regulator and other stakeholders on the development of a framework that enables farmers to take action to improve water quality where this is needed. NFU Cymru has always accepted that a regulatory backstop may be needed, but this must recognise and take account of the regulation that is already operational in this sphere and it must be evidence based, proportionate to the risk and targeted to areas where water quality improvements have been shown to be needed.
“Welsh farming underpins the £7.5 billion food and drink industry. NFU Cymru remains committed to challenging these damaging regulations and pursuing every possible avenue available to seek to mitigate their harmful impact.”
