Craig Williams MP has welcomed a Welsh Government announcement that the implementation of a nitrogen holding limit on Welsh farms is to be delayed.
There will now be an extension before the implementation of a 170kg/ha holding limit for nitrogen on farms. This is accompanied by a consultation on a licensing scheme, which would enable any farm business to apply for a license for a higher annual holding nitrogen limit of 250kg/ha, subject to crop need and other legal considerations. The Welsh Government will now again consult on proposals for such a scheme to be operational until 2025.
The Welsh Government has also committed to carry out a dedicated impact assessment on the economic and environmental impact of the 170kg/ha nitrogen limit, as well as committing to exploring alternative technological solutions.
The changes to elements of the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations were announced in a written statement by Minister for Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths MS, and were secured as part of the co-operation agreement with Plaid Cymru.
Welcoming the announcement, Craig Williams MP said:
“The Welsh Government’s ‘U-turn’ over nitrogen holding regulations is very welcome news. The proposed regulations were unworkable and posed a huge threat to the viability of farming in Montgomeryshire and across Wales. It would have also ensured Welsh farmers faced far less competitive conditions than our English neighbours and further afield.
“This has been brought about by determined opposition, led by NFU Cymru, the FUW, and both Welsh Conservatives and Plaid Cymru. Credit where credit is due, this is a very welcome sign that the ‘coalition’ between Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru within the Senedd is starting to recognise the need to help rural Wales and our vital agriculture sector.
“The Welsh Government’s announcement of an £20m of funding to support capital investment on farms is also welcome but falls short of what is actually needed – particularly as their own impact assessment highlighted a £360m cost.
“But I am hopeful that is a positive step forward – not only for Welsh farmers, but also for the scrutiny of the Welsh Government going forward, signalling a maturing Welsh politics which will enable better outcomes for all.”
