Welsh farmers urged to have a say on NVZ licensing scheme

A government consultation is expected to open in Wales in mid-November on a licensing scheme to give farmers more generous allowances to spread slurry and fertiliser.

It comes amid warnings that the current proposed limits threaten to shrink milk supply to processors.

See also: Welsh farmers reveal crippling costs of new NVZ rules

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) suggests that the pan-Wales nitrate vulnerable zone (NVZ) regulations will “severely undermine” milk production with that putting pressure on supply to processors.

The regulations propose a 170kg/ha nitrogen limit for every farm from 1 April 2023.

It is understood that half of the one billion litres of milk produced each year in Wales is processed there too.

After an industry backlash, the government is now considering issuing licences to allow a higher limit of 250kg/ha to some farms and will consult on it this month.

A similar system, known as a grassland derogation, exists in England.

The FUW Milk and Dairy Produce Committee suggests that the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations in their current form would have implications for dairy processing, local jobs and the economy.

Its chairman Dei Davies, who produces milk at Moor Farm, Flintshire, urged dairy farmers to get their milk buyers on board to press for change.

“Notwithstanding current supply chain issues and the consequential inflation of milk production costs, processors must recognise that if these regulations are not revised radically they may find themselves scraping the barrel to maintain current production levels,” he said.

Delay to 170kg/ha limit

While the consultation takes place, there will be a three-month delay to the introduction of the 170kg/ha limit, originally planned for 1 January 2023.

Plaid Cymru is urging farmers to participate in that consultation “to ensure the voice of rural and agricultural Wales is heard loud and clear”.

Its rural affairs spokesperson Mabon ap Gwynfor MS said the changes to the regulations, including the consultation on licensing, the three-month delay and an extra £20m to support farmers with capital infrastructure, offered “a way forward that can work for all”.

“Plaid Cymru has consistently argued for a more proportionate approach that works for farmers and for better financial help to support changes,” he said.