Lesley Griffiths MS, Minister for Rural Affairs, North Wales and Trefnydd
On 23 March 2022, the High Court in Cardiff handed down its judgment on the challenge brought by NFU Cymru to Welsh Government’s decision to introduce the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021.
The Court rejected the arguments put forward by NFU Cymru and dismissed the claim. The full judgment is available.
Welsh Government welcomes the Court’s decision and remains committed to working with industry, partners and stakeholders to address agricultural and other sources of pollution. Taking action to protect our waterways and improve air quality from pollution is the right thing to do for the environment, biodiversity, public health and to protect the reputation of those who are already farming to a high environmental standard.
This judgment allows this important work to continue. We will continue to work with the farming community to improve water quality and air quality, deploying the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021, taking an approach targeted at those activities known to cause pollution.
There remains the opportunity within the Regulations to present alternative measures to achieve our common goals, and I continue to welcome submissions of any such measures for consideration.
It is vital we all work together to tackle the pollution of our waterways and to continue to support our farming industry. Before Easter, I will set out my plans to support the agricultural sector, which will include further funding to help farmers implement these regulations.