Welsh farmers asked to take part in crucial NVZ consultation

Farmers in Wales have been urged to have their say in a vital consultation on a nitrogen limit licensing scheme.

The 12-week consultation is part of the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations, or the so-called all-Wales nitrate vulnerable zone (NVZ).

As they stand, the regulations will impose an annual 170kg/ha restriction on spreading organic nitrogen on Welsh farmland.

However, intense lobbying by farming unions in Wales has highlighted that this low level would ultimately limit the livestock sector’s output and damage the Welsh economy.

See also: Defra slurry grants: What’s on offer and who can apply?

In October, the Welsh government agreed to delay the introduction of the 170kg/ha limit from 1 January until 1 April 2023, to allow the consultation to take place.

Announced on 25 November by Welsh rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths, the proposals set out a licence scheme with an upper annual organic nitrogen limit of 250kg/ha.

Farmers and growers could apply for a licence, which would be granted subject to crop needs and other legal considerations. The licence would run until 2025, according to the Welsh government.

Impact assessment

It has also pledged to carry out an assessment of the economic and environmental impact of the 170kg/ha nitrogen limit, and has agreed to explore alternative technological solutions that would mitigate the effect of nitrogen spreading.

NFU Cymru pledged to analyse the detailed licensing proposals and consult members before formally responding to the consultation.

The union stressed that, although there was a delay in introducing the 170kg/ha limit, other restrictions under the regulations would still be introduced, as planned, on 1 January 2023. 

These include requirements for:

• Nutrient management plans
• Risk maps
• Storage for organic manures (other than slurry), including increased measures for temporary field sites
• Controls on the spread of nitrogen fertiliser

NFU Cymru president Aled Jones said it was vital for farmers to take part in the consultation.

“The 170kg/ha limit would act as a de-facto stocking limit on Welsh farms, with wider concerns for how this could affect Welsh farming’s productive capacity,” Mr Jones said.

“It is crucial that these regulations do not impinge on the sector’s ability to feed the nation with healthy, sustainable, climate-friendly food, now and in the years ahead,” he added.

“I’d encourage every farmer in Wales to think carefully about how the licensing system might support their farming business going forward.”

Lobbying

The union also thanked Plaid Cymru policymakers, who had helped press farming’s case for changes to the NVZ rules.

With the political party’s help, the union had managed to get the government to listen to its plea, Mr Jones said.

Plaid Cymru’s rural affairs spokesman, Mabon ap Gwynfor, said the party had consistently argued for an approach that worked for farmers.

“Plaid Cymru now encourages all farmers to participate in the consultation, to ensure the voice of rural and agricultural Wales is heard loud and clear,” he said.

More information

The consultation closes on 17 February 2023.

Details are available on the Welsh government website