By Debbie James

A CAMPAIGN to persuade the Welsh government to change its mind over proposals to prevent farmers from spreading slurry in the winter gathered momentum at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair.

Nicola Savage, who helps run an agricultural contracting business in Hayscastle, Pembrokeshire, teamed up with NFU Cymru to gather signatures for her petition that highlights the potential impacts of the Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) proposals.

Nicola, who runs the business with her husband, Sean, said slurry was utilised to grow grass and, as such, is a valuable resource.

“Contractors are responsible and are careful to apply slurry only when the conditions dictate,’’ she said.

“We are very aware of weather conditions and spread accordingly. We had very dry conditions in October so we were very busy but if the NVZ had been in place, we couldn’t have done that work. The closed period is the main issue for us, we are urging the government for flexibility according to weather conditions.’’

NFU Cymru president Stephen James said Nicola’s story was important because it highlighted the wider ramifications of the proposals. “The shockwaves felt by the industry will have a ripple effect that will also affect agricultural contractors and, subsequently, the rural economy.

“We really want Welsh Government to think long and hard about the detrimental impact of these proposals. NFU Cymru is clear that the environmental outcomes could be better delivered using an alternative approach.”

The union also surveyed farmers to better understand the impact the proposals would have on them. The NVZ survey can also be found at www.nfu-cymru.org.uk.

The NVZ consultation closes on December 23.