Part of 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs – in the Senedd at 1:41 pm on 29 November 2017.
You'll be aware that some Welsh farmers have already been taking steps to address the issue of nitrate pollution and to improve water quality. There's evidence of some very good work being done across Wales. For example, the Wales catchment-sensitive farming demonstration project is an example of a very successful voluntary scheme that was well received by farmers. Given that your consultation didn't consider voluntary arrangements and voluntary schemes, can you tell us why the Welsh Government didn't consider implementing a voluntary approach on this matter? Will you now consider working in partnership with farmers and with the agricultural industry to adopt voluntary measures instead?