Review backs action to cut farm pollution in Wales

The Welsh Government has committed to implementing all 23 recommendations from an independent review into agricultural pollution regulations, aimed at improving water quality across Wales.

The review, chaired by Dr Susannah Bolton, examined the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021, introduced to reduce nutrient runoff and other farm-related pollutants entering watercourses.

It concluded that while the current regulatory approach is fundamentally sound, there are major opportunities to make it more effective, proportionate, and easier for farmers to follow.

The review highlighted a need to better target high-risk farming practices while easing requirements for those posing low environmental risks. Other key findings included the need to close regulatory gaps, improve clarity, and support innovation.

The Welsh Government said it would act on all the recommendations, which are expected to be phased in over the coming months and years. In the meantime, existing rules will remain in place.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who is also responsible for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said: “Clean water in our rivers, lakes and seas is vital for us all. We must do everything possible to improve water quality for future generations.

“Whilst the causes of pollution are not limited to any one sector, agriculture remains one of the main contributors. The review agrees with our overall approach but also shows ways we can make things better for both farmers and our environment.”

The current rules, which include limits on nitrogen application and restrictions on when manure can be spread, have drawn criticism from parts of the farming sector over their complexity and cost of compliance.

The review found that 59% of farms inspected under the rules by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) were non-compliant, often due to technical issues such as silage clamp design or incomplete paperwork, rather than practices that posed immediate pollution risks.

Dr Bolton, a former vice principal at Scotland’s Rural College, said there were “strongly shared aspirations” across the sector to improve water quality.

“I am genuinely optimistic that the recommended changes to the regulation will enable a greater degree of common agency and shared responsibility to address the challenges,” she said.

Key recommendations include exploring alternatives to the current 170kg nitrogen per hectare cap, allowing more flexibility in when slurry can be spread, and updating requirements for farm infrastructure.

The report also calls for clearer legal definitions, simplified paperwork, and improved support for farms under tenancy agreements. A proportionate approach to enforcement and potential civil sanctions in place of court proceedings are also being considered.

While some changes may be implemented within 18 months, others will take longer due to the need for scientific assessment and wider consultation.

“The engagement I have conducted for this review has demonstrated that there are strongly shared aspirations for improving water quality in Wales,” said Dr Bolton. “The recommended changes aim to reduce pollution risks while supporting farmers to farm sustainably.”