By Debbie James

DOZENS of farms across Pembrokeshire face restrictions on applications of fertiliser and manure if plans to designate a large swathe of the county as a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) goes ahead.

It is thought that around 2,000 land holders, including a significant number of farmers, would be affected if the Welsh government presses ahead with the designation of the Cleddau Rivers Catchment and Milford Haven Waterway.

Although the Welsh government has yet to publish its consultation, farmers’ leaders are already preparing to launch a “firm and robust response’’.

Pembrokeshire County NFU Chairman, Walter Simon, who farms at West Orielton Farm, Hundleton, is concerned about the potential economic impact on the agricultural sector and the wider rural economy.

“The threat of a NVZ designation hangs over a large area of Pembrokeshire encompassing the Cleddau Rivers catchment and the Milford Haven waterway,’’ he said.

“The issue of additional NVZ designations in Pembrokeshire is a particularly sensitive one, especially with the scale of the proposed designation – we understand that up to 2000 farms could fall into the proposed area – and the impact that it is likely to have on farm businesses within the designated area.”

In line with the EC Nitrates Directive, the Welsh Government is required to assess and designate areas as NVZs and produce what is known as an Action Programme of Measures to reduce levels of nitrogen every four years.

As part of this review process, the government is expected to shortly consider whether to make significant NVZ designations in Pembrokeshire.

The Bosherston Lily Pools Catchment Area is currently the only NVZ designation in Pembrokeshire.

NFU Cymru has pledged to fight any new proposed designations and, as such, says it will scrutinise the evidence base underpinning the recommendation to designate, including the methodology and the technical and scientific aspects which has been undertaken by Natural Resources Wales.

The union gathered farmers at a meeting organised to specifically raise awareness of the issue.

Mr Simon urged farmers to respond to the consultation once it is published.

“I also encourage farmers in Pembrokeshire to get in touch with their local Assembly Members to convey the strength of feeling that exists within the industry on this issue and to explain the potential impact that any proposed NVZ designation is likely to have on their business,’’ he said.