The UK government's ban on muck spreading, introduced to protect Wales' rivers, has been declared a failure by the new minister. River campaigners had long championed the regulations, aimed at reducing pollution in Welsh waterways.
The muck spreading ban was implemented in an effort to limit the amount of manure and slurry applied to fields by farmers, which can pollute rivers and harm aquatic life.
However, the ban has been roundly opposed by farmers, who claim it has had a significant impact on their businesses. Many have been forced to alter their farming practices, resulting in increased costs and reduced productivity.
The new minister's admission that the ban has not been effective has sparked concerns about the future of the regulations. Opposition politicians have seized on the news, calling for the ban to be scrapped in favour of more targeted measures to address river pollution.
The Minister's statement has also raised questions about the impact of the ban on rural communities. Many Welsh farmers rely on muck spreading as a key part of their agricultural operations, and the loss of this practice could have far-reaching consequences for local economies.
The UK government is set to review the muck spreading ban, with the new minister promising to consider alternative solutions to the problem of river pollution.