The Welsh Government yesterday announced the launch of a consultation on the Review of the Designated Areas and Action Programme to Tackle Nitrate Pollution in Wales.

Responding for the Welsh Conservatives, Paul Davies AM warned that excessive regulations could do “long term damage” to the farming industry.

The Shadow Rural Affairs Secretary said:

“Farmers across Wales will be rightly concerned about the Welsh Government’s proposed new Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) designations.

“The regulatory burden will do nothing to attract people to farming and the costs attached to these proposals will put a heavy burden on Welsh farmers, at a time when the Welsh Government should be doing more to support our rural economy.

“It seems that both options would unnecessarily and unreasonably affect Welsh farmers.

“That’s why it’s important that a strong message is sent to the Welsh Government and I strongly urge farmers from all parts of the country to respond to this consultation and make sure their voices are heard.”