Will the Minister clarify what exemptions the Welsh Government intends to implement to allow slurry spreading during the closed period by farmers operating in nitrate vulnerable zones, and the period for which any such exemptions will operate?
Exemptions to the closed periods already exist for organic manures in respect of crops sown on tillage land with sandy or shallow soil and for registered organic producers. Exemptions also enable manufactured fertilisers to be applied to specific crops and in accordance with advice from a FACTS qualified advisor. The closed periods do not prevent nutrients being applied to a crop if it is needed and do not apply to certain organic manures, including farmyard manure, which can be spread at any time of the year.
My officials continue to work with stakeholders, including members of the Wales Land Management Forum sub-group on agricultural pollution, to ensure their views on this issue are taken into account in respect of the proposed agricultural pollution regulations.