The Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) Policy in Wales: What You Need to Know
A Guide to the New Rules and Regulations for Fertiliser, Manure and Slurry Storage, Handling and Spreading The Welsh government has decided to declare the whole country a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ), which will mean new rules and regulations apply to fertiliser, manure and slurry storage, handling and spreading. Previously, 2.4% of Wales’s land area was […]
14-12-2023
A Guide to the New Rules and Regulations for Fertiliser, Manure and Slurry Storage, Handling and Spreading
The Welsh government has decided to declare the whole country a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ), which will mean new rules and regulations apply to fertiliser, manure and slurry storage, handling and spreading. Previously, 2.4% of Wales’s land area was estimated to be in an NVZ – these rules will mean that every farmer is affected 12.
The new policy will be implemented in stages, with additional requirements coming into effect from 1 April 2023 and 1 August 2024, as part of the agreed transition period for land not previously in an NVZ 1. Farmers must create and keep risk maps, store organic manure (other than slurry) in compliance with Welsh Government regulations, with heaps stored on farmyards under cover or in temporary field sites 3. Nutrient management planning and storage of farmyard manures are also required 1.
It’s important to ensure that you are familiar with the requirements and how they apply to your farm business. You can find further information in The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021: guidance for farmers and land managers 1.