Stevenson Responds To Nitrate Vulnerable Zone Consultation

'GOVT. APPROACH MUST BE EVIDENCE-BASED' - MSP

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has responded to the Scottish Executive's consultation on the Nitrate Vulnerable Zone Action programme proposed amendments and has backed calls by North-east farmers that any further restrictions imposed must be based on evidence.

Mr Stevenson met with NFUS President John Kinnaird and North-east NFUS representatives at Thainstone last month along with SNP Leader Alex Salmond MP and other SNP Parliamentarians to discuss the issue. One of the main concerns expressed at the meeting was that the proposals for further restrictions in the NVZ areas was simply not supported by the scientific evidence available.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

"On the issue of NVZs, we have yet to see the evidence that justifies further restrictions on the spreading of manure and fertiliser. Indeed, the indications are that the measures the industry has been taking to date have had the desired effect. Yet the Government is proposing further 'closed periods' and a reduction in the Nitrate loading limit.

"We need common-sense on this issue and we need to see the science on which the Government is basing its claim. The evidence just doesn't support the Government's assertions.

"Following my very useful meeting with NFUS, I tabled Parliamentary Questions on the evidence issue and await Ross Finnie's response to these. In the meantime, I have made my own submission to the Scottish Executive's consultation paper highlighting those points which my constituents have raised with me and pointing out the apparent success of the measures taken to date in addressing the nitrates issue in the affected areas."