“Farmers are the natural guardians of the land” – Plaid Cymru urges Welsh Government to follow the evidence on NVZs

Responding to the news that NFU Cymru’s application for permission to judicially review Welsh Government’s decision to introduce water quality regulations has been granted by the High Court, Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson for Agriculture, Cefin Campbell MS said,

“Farmers are the natural guardians of the land – they have protected the environment for centuries. 

“Welsh Government, in setting an all-Wales Nitrate Vulnerable Zone, has overreacted to the actions of a small minority and in doing so, has failed to listen to the voices of farmers, Unions and even the body that’s been set up to advise the Government – Natural Resources Wales. After all, following the evidence has been the key message from Welsh Government during the pandemic! 

“The regulations are disproportionate, risk causing more environmental harm through their ‘farming by calendar’ approach, and will undermine the viability of many Welsh farms.”

“When people are not being listened to, they shout louder, and perhaps now, with this latest ruling from the High Court, Welsh Government will finally heed their voices.”