Official data request reveals Welsh Government’s failure to prepare for water rules

NFU Cymru deputy president Aled Jones said: “The response to the information request suggests Welsh Government has made no plans to enable and support the sector.

“This is alarming when you consider the support provided by the Northern Ireland executive over 10 years ago when the whole territory approach to Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) was adopted.

“At the time, Northern Irish farmers were supported with an investment package of £140m, available at a grant rate of 60 per cent to aid investment in infrastructure.”

Mr Jones went on to say farmers would be faced with a choice of being non-compliant or leaving the sector altogether if the planning system was not sympathetic to their needs.

He also claimed it would be impossible for farmers to demonstrate compliance with the new rules, due to come into force in six weeks, when the Welsh Government website contained no information on how to prepare for the changes.

Main causes

A Welsh Government spokesman said: “Agricultural pollution is one of the main causes of water pollution.

“Action is needed to tackle the damage being done to the environment, our rural communities and the reputation of the farming industry. Industry leaders must recognise the scale of this issue and take a responsible approach.

“A final decision will be made on the regulations once the Regulatory Impact Assessment has been finalised. This has been developed in consultation with NFU Cymru and other stakeholders.

“Implementation arrangements, including financial support, will be dependent on the findings of the Regulatory Impact Assessment and any resulting regulations.”