Wales’ Rural Development Programme (RDP) offers real potential to drive improvements in water quality but only if the measures implemented and funds allocated are used in a smarter way. That was the message from NFU Cymru to the Wales Water Conference held in Cardiff earlier this week.
Addressing the Conference, the Union’s Environment/Rural Affairs Adviser, Rachel Lewis-Davies, referred to the evidence which shows that approximately 15% of Water Framework Directive failures in Wales can be attributed to the agricultural sector. She also highlighted the significant efforts that farmers are already undertaking through voluntary action which include:
·Reductions in fertiliser application rates since the 1980s – 35% less nitrogen and 60% less phosphates – whilst achieving similar crop yields
·Almost 560,000 ha of land under agri-environment contract through Glastir which benefits water quality and the wider environment
·Over 275,000 ha of management options attributed to water quality under Glastir Advanced – including 310km streamside corridor through this scheme alone
·£16m investment in infrastructure on farms in Wales to improve water quality under Glastir Efficiency
·Nutrient management planning undertaken on in excess of 2,000 farms across Wales
Rachel Lewis-Davies said, “The voluntary efforts of farmers frequently go unrecognised, however, where improvements are required we must ensure that appropriate interventions are put in place. It has been our long held view that any approach must be evidence based and provide local solutions to local problems working in partnership with industry to be effective.
“We believe that the RDP and schemes such as the Sustainable Production Grant, Glastir and Farming Connect, provide very clear opportunities to support farmers where changes are necessary; but only if they are designed and implemented effectively. This requires detailed collaboration with industry.
“Investment in farm infrastructure provides significant opportunity for environmental gains. It is vital that this measure is adequately funded and that there are no barriers put in the way of farmers who wish to make investments that can deliver such benefits. Excessive bureaucracy and costs associated with the application process have to be stripped out.
Mrs Lewis-Davies concluded, “The Water Framework Directive sets clear goals and timelines for the achievement of good ecological status. Welsh Government must work to see that the new elements, proposed under Glastir, such as small grants and part-farm schemes, which have the potential to do so much in the farming sectors not usually associated with Agri-Environment, are rolled out as quickly as possible.”
