AIC Cymru welcomes Welsh NVZ nitrogen limit extension
Fundamental changes to elements of the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations announced by Welsh Government have been welcomed by AIC Cymru.
The extension, secured as part of the co-operation agreement with Plaid Cymru, is accompanied by a consultation on a licencing scheme which allows any farm business to apply for a licence for a higher annual holding nitrogen limit of 250kg/ha, subject to crop need and other legal considerations.
There will now be a consultation on these proposals for such a scheme to be operational until 2025.
The Welsh Government has also committed to carry out a dedicated impact assessment on the economic and environmental impact of the 170kg/ha nitrogen limit, as well as committing to explore technological solutions.
Stakeholders have long believed that these regulations were unworkable and posed a significant threat to the viability of Welsh farming, the impact of which cannot be overestimated.
Michael Muncey, AIC's Welsh Policy Manager, said: "We are pleased that the Government has listened to the very real concerns of Welsh farmers and has shown some recognition of the impacts of the regulations, in their original form, would have on Welsh farmers' viability and the knock-on consequences for the supply chain."
NFU Cymru President Aled Jones said: "The announcement of the delay of the 170kg/ha annual holding organic nitrogen limit and news of a consultation this autumn on a licencing scheme to operate until 2025 is welcome.
"The announcement provides some additional breathing space for Welsh farmers facing the prospect of destocking their herd as a direct result of the regulations as they stood."
NFU Cymru has consistently opposed these regulations and had sought to make these regulations more proportionate, including taking the matter to judicial review.
AIC Cymru, NFU Cymru and The Farmers Union of Wales (FUW) commend an extra £20m of funding being made available as part of the announcement.
It is crucial that this funding is used to support capital investment in farm infrastructure, given that the Government's own impact assessment highlighted a £360m upfront cost to comply with these regulations.
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