Anger at Welsh Government 2020 Plans
New regulations to come into force for Welsh farmers in 2020 are being described as ‘disastrous’ for the sector, especially with the uncertainty of Brexit looming on the horizon.
Announced in November last year, the regulations coming into force from January next year include measures such as nutrient management planning, sustainable fertiliser applications, protection of water from pollution and manure storage.
The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) have said the majority of the plans have been ‘cut-and-pasted’ from the Nitrate Vulnerable Zone rules that affect just 2.3% of Wales. They have also criticised the plans as a draconian blanket approach that will result in extra costs for many smaller farms through no fault of their own.
The FUW has suggested that if the plans are to go ahead, there will be an increase in the number of Welsh farm holdings falling under legislation from an estimated 600 to more than 24,000.
The timing could not be worse, coming at a time when figures suggest Wales’s agricultural industry could be the worst affected by Brexit.
Please note: This article is a commentary on general principles and should not be interpreted as advice for your specific situation.
