NFU Cymru has questioned the inappropriate timing of a consultation from Natural Resources Wales that could have far reaching implications for farming businesses making investments in livestock housing and slurry and manure storage facilities.
The revised guidance includes a number of very significant changes for farming. NRW now proposes the guidance should apply to all livestock developments, and not just intensive farming units. In addition, whereas the existing guidance applies to designated sites such as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Sites of Special Scientific Importance (SSSI), NRW now plans to produce a map of sensitive species/locations containing species that cannot tolerate high levels of Nitrogen. This will include SAC and SSSI but NRW also states that sensitive sites are not limited to those that are designated as protected in some way.
Commenting after a virtual meeting of the NFU Cymru Rural Affairs Board where this matter was raised, Board Chairman, Hedd Pugh said: “NFU Cymru has asked NRW to postpone its recently launched consultation on ammonia and nitrogen screening until the end of the Covid-19 crisis. At this time of crisis, the priority of our members is on keeping the nation fed. Our attention, as an organisation, is entirely focussed on supporting our members through the crisis many of whom have been severely impacted by supply chain volatility and market disruption.
“We are disappointed that NRW is advancing this consultation during the ‘lockdown’ when our ability as an organisation to consult properly with our members and get their views on these proposals has been severely impacted.”
NFU Cymru Deputy President Aled Jones said “There can be no doubt that NRW’s proposals will result in many more farm developments being brought into the screening process with requirements to undertake assessments of the potential impact of ammonia and nitrogen. Undertaking ammonia assessments is a costly process. We are disappointed that NRW appears not to have recognised, through the revised guidance, that many investments such as slurry storage are likely to bring improvements in environmental performance. Without doubt the proposals pose a big threat to productive farming in Wales.
“In line with the Regulator’s Code which states that ‘before changing policies, practices or service standards, regulators should consider the impact on business’, NFU Cymru has also requested sight of the regulatory impact assessment to understand the costs and benefits of the proposed changes to the guidance set out in the consultation along with the full range of options NRW have considered.”
Concluding, Mr Jones added: “We recognise, as an industry, there is work to be done to reach sustainable ammonia emissions in line with targets. We are keen to work with Welsh Government and NRW on an overarching strategy to achieve this. However, this has to be achieved alongside a competitive farming industry in Wales. This will be vital if farmers are to continue in their role producing safe, high quality food for the nation, delivering jobs, growth and investment for Wales; whilst maintaining and enhancing our natural environment and treasured Welsh landscape and sustaining our rural communities and Welsh language and culture.”