Welsh Government’s NVZ proposals could see an extension of the current NVZ designation zones from 2.4% to 8% of Wales, or even an all-Wales designation.
Farming union NFU Cymru has 'strongly opposed' government proposals to designate further areas of Wales as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ).
A survey has found that around one in eight (13%) Welsh farmers would consider leaving the industry if the NVZ proposals are introduced.
An NVZ is a conservation designation of the Environment Agency for areas of land that drain into nitrate polluted waters, or waters which could become polluted by nitrates.
NVZs were introduced by the UK government in response to the EU mandate that all EU countries must reduce the nitrate in drinking water to a maximum of 50 mg/l.
#EnvironmentalSuccess
The proposals have prompted farmers across Wales to tweet examples of the vast array of work that they carry out to protect the environment.
The Twitter hashtag #EnvironmentalSuccess has been used to drive to raise the profile of the work that farmers carry out on farms across the UK to enhance their environment.
Farmers have been tweeting examples of work that they are carrying out on farm with a view to shedding light on work that often goes unnoticed by the public and policy makers.
While the uncertainty over the NVZ proposals lingers on, NFU Cymru is stressing that policy makers should take account of the good work that is taking place and reconsider whether an extension to Wales’ current NVZs is in the interests of Wales’ farming industry or, indeed, the environment.
’Extremely unsettling’
NFU Cymru Pembrokeshire County Chairman Jeff Evans, said: “The Welsh Government’s Review of the Designated Areas and Action Programme to Tackle Nitrate Pollution in Wales consultation closed just before Christmas and yet we are still waiting to hear the outcome.
“It’s an extremely unsettling time for all of us running farm businesses that are likely to be affected by these proposals – farming is a long term business and it is difficult for us to plan for the future with this axe swinging above our heads.
NFU Cymru said that it remains unconvinced that, on the basis of the evidence that was presented by Natural Resources Wales as part of this consultation, further NVZ designations are necessary in Wales.
Mr Evans continued: “We are strong advocates of appropriate interventions where poor practices are responsible and it is our view that approaches to address water quality must consider the full range of issues and sectors influencing water quality, be evidence-based, provide local solutions to local problems working in partnership with industry.
“This is not about farmers shirking their responsibilities when it comes to water quality – we are committed to working with Welsh Government and other partners to explore opportunities to develop alternative approaches to tackle this complex issue that will deliver better outcomes.
’Wide-reaching ramifications’
The union said it will continue to lobby Welsh Government to urge them to look at the ‘wide-reaching ramifications’ an extension to NVZ territories could have on the farming industry in Wales.
He continued: “Welsh Government have not yet published the Regulatory Impact Assessment but we know that these proposals would be felt acutely here in Pembrokeshire in terms of the impact on individual farm businesses, the county’s productive capacity and the economy of Pembrokeshire as a whole.
“In light of these concerns I’m extremely pleased that so many of our members have taken to Twitter to play their part in the #EnvironmentalSuccess campaign highlighting the key role farmers play in managing and enhancing their local environment.”
