Thank you for your email of 7 January regarding agricultural pollution. Agricultural pollution is affecting water quality across the whole of Wales, not just in localised areas, so a consistent approach is required. Evidence of poor practice and pollution is not restricted to one area or farm type and agricultural pollution is one of the main reasons waterbodies fail to meet good status requirements.
On 27 January 2021 I announced the introduction of regulations to tackle agricultural pollution in Wales. The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021 came into force on 1 April 2021 for initial requirements with transitional periods to phase in the remainder over a period of three and a half years.
The regulations set a clear and consistent baseline, ensuring all farmers understand what actions they need to take to join those who are already protecting our rich environment and managing manures as a valuable source of nutrients rather than a waste product. The new regulations provide greater clarity for all farms on the standards they must meet. The regulations are proportionate and targeted, focusing on those farms where the environmental risk is greatest and are based on good practice recommendations.
Future farm support will reward farmers who take action to meet the challenges. The proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme will be different to the current Basic Payment Scheme. The fundamental change will be the level of payment will be linked to the actions the farmer undertakes. Farmers will be supported to adopt a proactive approach to reversing the decline of water quality as well as habitat creation and management.
Lesley Griffiths
