Nitrate Vulnerable Zones

Part of 2. Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd – in the Senedd at 3:01 pm on 13 October 2021.

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Photo of Mabon ap Gwynfor Mabon ap Gwynfor Plaid Cymru 3:01, 13 October 2021

(Translated)

Thank you, Minister. The NVZs in Wales limit agriculturalists to spread no more than 170 kg of nitrates per hectare, whilst the zones in other nations enable farmers to spread up to 250 kg per hectare. This limitation means that slurry is held back and can't be spread and causes difficulties to farmers, or it will do so. Can you explain, therefore, what the rationale of the Welsh Government is for limiting to 170 kg here, whilst other places limit it to 250 kg?