The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021 came into effect in April 2021, introducing an all-Wales ‘regulatory baseline’ to control agricultural pollution. The Regulations also set standards for silage making, storage of silage effluent and for slurry storage systems.
The Regulations apply to all farm businesses in Wales. Any person or persons who are the owners or occupiers (e.g., tenants, graziers) of an agricultural land holding (regardless of its size) are responsible for complying with these rules.
Phase 2 of the regulations came into force on 1st January 2023, with the exception of the 170kg/ha nitrogen limit. The Welsh Government are providing a four-month extension to the implementation of the annual 170kg/ha limit for nitrogen from livestock manure averaged over the holding, either directly deposited by the animal or by spreading. This requirement will now apply from 30th April 2023. All other 1st January 2023 measures are not affected.
Requirements from 1st January 2023
- Risk maps
- Controlling the spread of nitrogen fertiliser
- Storage of organic manure
- Temporary field heap sites
- Nitrogen limits per hectare for spreading organic manure
- Import/export of manure
- Nutrient management planning & recording
- Holding nitrogen limit ‘the 170 limit’ (under review)
The legality of silage clamp design and construction, collection and disposal of effluent is already in place (since 1st April 2021) and being inspected, as well as closed periods for spreading artificial nitrogen.
How we can help
From 2023 Welsh cross compliance inspections will be noticeably different in terms of the paperwork required during an audit.
At CXCS we cover both English and Welsh paperwork to inspection standard, so if you have concerns or simply want a discussion about how we can help, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01981 590514.
Further guidance
The following guide is available to help farmers and land managers to comply with the requirements of the regulations: The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021: guidance for farmers and land managers | GOV.WALES
