Pembrokeshire politicians Paul Davies and Angela Burns have co-hosted a briefing session at the Assembly on the Welsh Government’s proposals for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones with the NFU. The briefing session provided an overview of the Welsh Government’s plans and highlighted the ways in which they will impact on farmers in Wales.

Preseli Pembrokeshire Paul Davies said: “It was a pleasure to open the briefing session and to meet with some of the farmers that are affected by these plans. The Welsh Government’s proposals will have a huge impact on Pembrokeshire farmers and it’s important that they have their say. The consultation is running until December 23rd and I’d strongly encourage everyone to feed into the consultation.

Following the briefing session, Mr Davies raised this issue directly with the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs in the Assembly Chamber. He added, “I’ve made it very clear that I’m opposed to these plans, which are both unreasonable and unnecessary. The Welsh Government must work with our farming industry, not against it.”

Assembly Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Angela Burns said, “Replying to this consultation is vital if the agricultural industry do not want to see potentially draconian measures being put in place by the Welsh Government. We all have a responsibility to protect our environment and cut nitrates, however there are better proven methods to achieve this within the agricultural industry than by the proposals currently under consultation.

“We must ensure that a proportionate way forward is found that allows every farm to respond to the challenge of reducing nitrates whilst maintaining a viable business.”