Government launches consultation on review of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones

NVZs were introduced by UK government in response to EU mandate that all EU countries must reduce nitrate in drinking water
NVZs were introduced by UK government in response to EU mandate that all EU countries must reduce nitrate in drinking water

The government has launched a consultation on the review of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) in Wales.

The Nitrates Directive requires that, every four years, EU Member States undertake a review to assess and designate areas as NVZs.

The Welsh government consultation, launched yesterday, puts forward proposals for a number of new designations in Wales.

This includes a significant area around the Milford Haven Inner Waterbody in Pembrokeshire as well as a number of other smaller areas in Wales as follows:

• Deepford Brook, Pembrokeshire

• River Alyn (West of Wrexham) and Worthenbury Brook (east of Wrexham around Whitchurch)

• Llyn Maelog, Anglesey

• Llyn yr Wyth Eidion, Anglesey

• Llyn Pencarreg, Carmarthenshire

• Llanmiloe, Carmarthenshire

'Opposed to the proposed designations'

NFU Cymru has arranged a meeting for farmers in Pembrokeshire following the launch of the consultation.

Views are also sought on the adoption of a whole-territory approach which would bring all land in Wales under designation.

NFU Cymru Pembrokeshire County Chairman, Walter Simon said: "The proposal to designate as NVZ the Milford Haven Inner Waterbody will bring all farmers within the catchment of the Cleddau rivers into the Regulations.

"This will affect a significant number of farmers in the county and an estimated 25% of the Welsh dairy herd and 50% of potato production in Wales."

He added: "Given the significant impact on Pembrokeshire farmers, NFU Cymru has arranged an event where we will go through the proposals for the designated area together with the action programme so that farmers affected can gain a better understanding of the costs and impacts to their businesses.

"NFU Cymru is very much opposed to the proposed designations and we will be putting forward a firm and robust response to the consultation based on detailed scrutiny of the evidence base underpinning designation.

"NFU Cymru will also highlight the increased costs and regulatory burden on farm businesses and the wider rural economy."

Concluding Mr Simon said: "NFU Cymru is encouraging affected farmers within the county to get involved with the consultation process and we urge members to come along to the meeting which will be held on Thursday, October 13th at The Pavilion, Pembrokeshire Showground, Withybush, Haverfordwest starting at 7:30pm."