Review of eco controls rules is welcomed
FARMING unions and politicians have welcomed the decision of the Senedd to review the current control of agricultural pollution regulations.
A joint opposition party motion called for a Senedd committee to hold an “urgent” review of the new regulations, which was passed by 58 votes to nil last week.
Farmers’ Union of Wales vice-president Dai Miles said: “We are pleased to see that a robust discussion in the Senedd has led to all Welsh Senedd Members backing a review into the regulations as they currently stand.
“The FUW and other industry bodies have repeatedly expressed our frustration and anger at the way these rules have been pushed through and warned of the dangers that come with what is being asked of the industry.
“We sincerely hope that the review will take into full consideration the financial implications these regulations have on small and mediumsized farm businesses and tenant farmers and that they also consider the impacts on rural communities, given the implications of these regulations on young farmers, tenants and new entrants to the industry.
“Now that a review has been agreed, it is imperative that an impact assessment is conducted into the loss of biodiversity if these costly proposals were to lead to a decline in upland cattlegrazing, a concern that a previous report submitted by the industry working group highlighted.
“As farmers, we care deeply about the environment, and with this acceptance of a need for a review we have the opportunity, we hope, to once again become partners with the Welsh Government in the efforts to tackle pollution and to protect our environment.”
Plaid Cymru spokesman for agriculture and rural affairs Cefin Campbell MS said: “The vote is a victory for common sense. It is a victory for our farmers and unions and it is a victory for our rural communities.
“We have heard time and again why the regulations as they stand are not acceptable. Not only were they rushed through recklessly by a minister who promised, 10 times no less, that they would not be introduced while Wales was still in a pandemic, they were introduced against the expert recommendation of Natural Resources Wales, who said regulations should be introduced in the 8% most at-risk areas rather than on an all-wales basis.
“Furthermore, the lack of financial support available to help farm businesses cope with the regulations would leave family farms severely affected. How on Earth can the minister justify offering £11m in financial support when the government’s own assessments suggest that the cost to farmers could be between £109m and £360m?
“Welsh farmers are part of the solution, not part of the problem. Plaid Cymru believe it’s time for the government to listen to them – and to the experts.
“It is time to look to the future by embracing technology to make far more accurate choices around land management – such as using weather stations on farms to measure soil temperature, leaf moisture, wind direction and rainfall – enabling farmers to make on-field decisions around slurry-spreading, pesticide-spraying or harvesting.
“This is far more scientific than farming by calendar, which is both impractical and outdated.
“Now is the time to work together to reach a consensus, and to come to a solution that will protect our environment from pollution and ensure the viability of farmers and communities in rural Wales.”
Brecon and Radnorshire Tory MS James Evans said: “When I was elected to represent the people of Brecon and Radnorshire, I promised I’d bring forward a debate on the NVZ regulations and I’m delighted the Welsh Conservatives had the opportunity to do so in the very first opposition debate of the sixth Senedd.
“Sadly, the Welsh Labour Government’s agricultural policies over the past few years have shown nothing but contempt for farmers and these draconian regulations will have a devastating impact.
“We need a more flexible, evidencebased policy that secures the support of the industry, and we hope the relevant committee now performs their vital role in ensuring the best legislation possible is put through the Welsh Parliament.”