Urgent plans for changes to agricultural pollution rules have been announced.
The deputy first minister and cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, announced his intention to take forward all 23 recommendations in full and at pace from the independently chaired Review of the Control of Agricultural Pollution Regulations which was completed in March this year.
The review emphasised the need for collective efforts from various sectors, including farmers and water companies.
Following a Water Summit on September 25, Mr Irranca-Davies said he wants to update the Senedd on the progress of implementing the recommendations.
A new task and finish group will be established to engage on the recommendations and inform the development of proposals, with final decisions resting with Welsh ministers.
He will make sure the SFS Ministerial Roundtable and the eNGO roundtable are sighted on progress.
The Welsh Government has allocated £1.58m to enforce the regulations in the 2025-26 financial year, targeting high-risk agricultural activities.
The government will also review the cross-compliance process to avoid penalising farms that have taken steps to mitigate pollution risks under challenging circumstances, such as TB restrictions.
Officials are also exploring a more flexible and proportionate enforcement approach through civil sanctions.
This is part of a broader effort to ensure agricultural activities comply with environmental standards, protecting Wales’ natural water resources.