Having recently been appointed as chair of the NFU Cymru Water Quality Review Group – a group that will support the union’s work in relation to the review of the Control of Agricultural Pollution Regulations - the importance of the task was driven home to me over the two days I spent at the Royal Welsh Show where some good groundwork was made.
We were able to raise with the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS the issue of £17 million that has been released through the Nutrient Management Investment Scheme and the fact that it came too late for any investment to be made before the first closed period this winter.
Gail Jenkins, NFU Cymru County Adviser; beef farmer Paul Williams and myself were also able to attend a presentation by NRW on the water quality regulations and how they are ensuring compliance. A number of points were highlighted during the presentation including the fact that 370 visits had now taken place (as of the Royal Welsh Show). This had resulted in 700 individual breaches of which 20% had been resolved. The breakdown of these breaches included:
- 46% on the paperwork
- 18% on silage storage
- 22% regarding slurry
- 13% on yards and muck stores
Breaches reduced
The manager of the NRW inspectors reported that breaches had reduced since the notification period had been increased from two weeks to four weeks. NRW also agreed that the standard letter stating what information will be required during the inspection will be shared to allow us to publicise it with the membership. In conversations after the event it was conceded that several aspects of the regulations could be improved on for the benefit of all. This is heartening as it does show that there are opportunities out there.
Later that day NRW’s Chief Executive, Clare Pillman and her colleagues arrived at the NFU Cymru stand for an impromptu meeting. It was a good conversation and NRW are aware of our concerns, whilst acknowledging that it is Welsh Government and not NRW that make the rules.
Have your say
Members and the wider farming community are worried, nervous and still confused over these regulations. The NFU Cymru survey allows farmers to express any misgivings they have on the regulations and highlight what the true effect will be on each of our farms. More importantly it will give us vital ammunition for the political arguments that will need to be made and help target our discussions in ways of improving the regulations for the benefit of all.
Finally, the Cabinet Secretary has recently announced the appointment of Dr Susannah Bolton as the Independent Chair of the review. Her current and past roles as Vice Principal for Enterprise and Knowledge Exchange for Scotland’s Rural College and former Research Director for the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) would suggest that she possesses the necessary understanding of our industry. It is hoped we will be able to meet with Dr Bolton soon.
