Extreme approach to Wales Agriculture Pollution Regulations threatens sheep sector, says NSA

The National Sheep Association (NSA) has written to Welsh ministers to highlight the likely impact of proposed updates to Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) measures on the sheep sector and wider agricultural industry in Wales.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: “The increased restrictions to be put in place in January 2023 come at a time of serious volatility and financial uncertainty within the sector, expecting businesses to invest in infrastructure is short sighted and an irreverent approach from government. It is especially concerning that these measures and investment come at a time of a cost-of-living crisis when the consequences could drive the price of staple foods upwards. Estimates are already indicating that dairy production could shrink by 17%.”

Proposals to be added to the regulations include requirements for all farmers to produce NVZ risk maps, nutrient management plans, record nutrient applications, and import and export of manures. There will also be increased regulation around field muck heaps, slurry stores, crop limits and holding limits.

NSA has been consistent in the position that an all-Wales approach to NVZ is indiscriminate with impacts reaching across all sectors. NSA continues to work and advocate for practical measures that improve the quality of all our natural resources, including water and is committed to working towards the optimum balance of productivity and environmental protection.

Mr Stocker continues: “The impact of these regulations will be far reaching for the sheep sector, limiting wintering options often taken on dairy farms that helps reduce the number of sheep in the hills and uplands during winter months – something which has been encouraged by Welsh Government policy. This opens the possibility for a reduced flock size, resulting in a reduction in sheep numbers in Wales, the effect of this being a loss of critical mass which could have implications for the slaughtering, processing and exports sector.

“Significant concerns are also growing around land availability for new entrants to the sector and these regulations will continue to reduce grazing opportunity on both dairy and poultry farms.”

In January 2021 the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs announced the introduction of regulatory measures to address agricultural pollution in Wales, the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021. With further aspects of the regulations phasing in over a three year period.