ABERCONWY MS Janet Finch-Saunders has warned of the ‘potentially devastating’ impact new Welsh Government rules could have on the county’s farmers.

The Agriculture (Wales) Bill 2022 was introduced before the Senedd on September 26, and includes a complete ban on the use of snares and glue traps and increased protection for agricultural tenants, ensuring they are not unfairly restricted from accessing financial assistance.

The Bill also aims to support farmers in the sustainable production of food alongside taking action to respond to the climate and nature emergencies, contributing to thriving rural communities and keeping farmers on the land.

However, Mrs Finch-Saunders says it could force farmers to commit to having 10 per cent tree cover on their land, and potentially expanding Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) from 2.4 per cent to 100 per cent of Welsh farmland.

NVZs are areas designated as being at risk from agricultural nitrate pollution, and rules regarding nitrogen fertiliser use and organic manure storage must be adhered to in these zones.

MORE: Aberconwy MS: £703,000 Llandudno Junction office repairs 'scandalous'

The Aberconwy MS said: “Whilst the Agricultural (Wales) Bill rightly makes the production of food the first objective, this is out of synch with the draconian measures of potentially forcing farmers to have 10% tree cover on their land, and expanding the NVZ from 2.4% to 100% of Welsh farmland.

“Rather than championing Aberconwy farmers in producing local climate friendly food, what they are witnessing is a Welsh Government which is coming at their businesses with a guillotine, cutting their production ability and chance of survival.

“Alongside making the production of food a legislative objective, the Welsh Government need to ensure that future food production is actually achievable.

“So far, rather than support, Aberconwy farmers have potentially devastating Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru anti local agri production actions to contend with.”

For more information on the Agriculture (Wales) Bill 2022, click here.