Local Assembly Member Paul Davies has raised the Welsh Government’s proposals for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones in the Assembly Chamber with the First Minister. Mr Davies raised the impact of the Welsh Government’s plans on farmers in Pembrokeshire and asked for a justification of them, given that they would leave farmers at a competitive disadvantage.

Mr Davies said: “The Welsh Government has a choice whether to go ahead or not with its proposals for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones in Wales and it’s quite clear that both of the proposals would put Welsh farmers at a disadvantage. Farmers in Pembrokeshire will be particularly affected by these plans and so it’s important that the Welsh Government recognises its impact and offer support to farmers who will be forced to meet any new regulations.

He added, “The First Minister has made it clear that he’s had a positive meeting with farmers in Pembrokeshire on this matter, but that’s certainly not the message that I’ve received. These proposals are costly, impractical and will have a huge effect on the local farming sector and subsequently, the Welsh economy.”