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Business, Land Use and Finance

The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2020

The Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs in Wales, Lesley Griffiths, has published draft regulations to tackle the unacceptable level of pollution from agricultural activity. These draft regulations are for information only at this time, a decision as to whether they will be introduced has been delayed as a result the Coronavirus pandemic.
In general, intensive slurry-producing operations and poultry farms would see the greatest change, while less intensive farms, which do not produce slurry would see little change. For all farm types, the impact on those already following good practice guidance would be considerably less than those which do not. If the draft regulations are introduced, transitional periods mean the regulations would be introduced over a period, to be decided, providing time for farmers to become familiar with the requirements and plan for any changes.
Whilst the draft regulations would apply to all farms in Wales, the measures are targeted at agricultural activities which may cause pollution and the impact on individual farms would be highly dependent and proportionate on the type of activities being carried out.
The requirements would be included within cross compliance but only from the date from which they first apply, following any relevant transitional period. The regulations comprise ten parts including:

  • Limiting the application of organic manure
  • Crop requirements
  • Controlling the spreading of nitrogen fertiliser
  • Storage of organic manure and silage
  • Calculations and records
  • Monitoring and review
  • Enforcement

The draft regulations and an explanatory note have been published on the Welsh Government website here.
To discuss potential implications on your business, please contact Vicky Price on 01432 809834 email vicky.price@berrys.uk.com.
 
 

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