NVZ briefing for AMS by NFU Cymru

NFU Cymru is extremely concerned about proposals which could mean an increase in the amount of land designated as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) in Wales and their potential effects on already vulnerable businesses. There is clear evidence in Wales that nitrate levels are actually declining so the Union is questioning the science behind the proposal to increase the amount of land designated.

These proposals, if they are submitted by the Welsh Assembly Government to the European Commission will cost farmers in Wales dearly. Not only will capital have to be spent but it could mean either a stock reduction or the need to buy or rent more land to retain current stock numbers. Inevitably it will mean some farmers in these areas contemplating if they have any future in farming.

NFU Cymru is inviting Assembly Members to a briefing session, hosted by Angela Burns AM, on the Nitrate Vulnerable Zones proposals on Wednesday, 30 January 2008 where the union will explain to AMs what NVZs are all about and how they will affect Welsh farmers.

Speakers will include the President of NFU Cymru, Dai Davies, Bernard Llewellyn, Chairman of NFU Cymru's Rural Affairs Board and Chris James, a dairy farmer from Stackpole, Pembrokeshire, whose business will be seriously affected if the proposed expansion of the NVZs goes ahead.

Dai Davies, NFU Cymru President said, "It is ridiculous when we already have cross compliance rules that this will be yet another burden on the industry. Furthermore the costs involved are totally disproportionate to any environmental benefit but yet again the axe falls on the farming industry."