Proposed Llangors NVZ causes huge concern for farmers

Proposed substantial changes to the Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) action plan are premature and unnecessary, according to NFU Cymru.

The Welsh Government’s NVZ consultation, published in December, proposes changes to some of the key measures introduced to the NVZ action plan in 2008. The consultation also outlines the inclusion of a potential NVZ designation in the Llangors area, near Brecon.

The consultation is open for submissions until March 2012, with the results to be implemented from January 2013. Among Welsh Government’s proposed changes are ones of significant concern and potential cost to farmers. The most notable concern is the proposal to alter silage, slurry and agricultural fuel oil regulations, without clear evidence of pollution resulting from older storage.

NFU Cymru Brecon and Radnor Chairman Glasnant Morgan said, "NFU Cymru is well aware that farmers in the proposed NVZ designation near Llangors will be hugely affected by the restrictions and requirements of the Nitrates Directive. Our response to the consultation will be to question the necessity to include the proposed areas in the designation now that we have the European Water Framework Directive taking a much more holistic approach.

"We have entered a period of important consultation with our members operating within the draft designated areas affected by these proposals and meetings to explain the proposed designation have been arranged for members to raise their concerns.