The Welsh Government had initially given Wales three years to address agricultural pollution issues. However, with pollution issues remaining high and an average of three incidents per week, the Welsh Government has decided to act.
On the 27th of January 2021 Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, released a statement announcing the Government’s decision to introduce NVZ’s in Wales. The statement includes government plans going forward and gives details of the support available for Welsh farmers. Currently in place in England and Scotland, the introduction of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ’s) in Wales will be launched using a transitional approach commencing on the 1st of April 2021.
Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ’s) are areas designated as being at risk from agricultural nitrate pollution through activities such as manure spreading and the application of fertiliser. For some farmers in Wales, the introduction of NVZ’s will present minimal impact, whereas others will need additional time and support to improve their infrastructure. The introductory process will begin with initial good practice requirements; these will provide farmers with sufficient time to plan and prepare for the additional requirements.
The Government is assuring Welsh farmers that support and appropriate guidance will be available to them and confirm that Farming Connect have already held over 400 related events. These events have included soils and farm infrastructure clinics and priority catchment area meetings. In addition, the Welsh Government has provided £22m through the Sustainable Production Grant scheme (to September 2020). As of 2021, a further £13m has been made available for Welsh farmers to support businesses and their nutrient management infrastructure.
For more information on NVZ’s please contact us on 01981 590514 or visit
https://gov.wales/written-statement-control-agricultural-pollution-regulations
All-Wales NVZ to go ahead as pollution ‘remains very high’ – FarmingUK News
