Gwlad Newsletter 30 March 2017

30 March 2017

FEATURED

Quarter of a billion pound boost for Wales’ rural communities

Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths confirmed she is fully committing the remaining tranche of funding under the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020.

NEWS

A new Board and a new era for HCC

Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, has announced the make-up of the new HCC Board, tasked with promoting a prosperous and resilient red meat sector in Wales post Brexit.

First Minister Carwyn Jones – “We’re committed to a sensible Brexit that secures Wales’ future”

To read the First Minister’s statement on the triggering of Article 50 by the UK Government go to the Welsh Government website's news pages.

Single Application Form 2017

The Single Application Form (SAF) 2017 is now available to complete via RPW Online. The deadline for submitting your form is midnight 15 May 2017. Full details and guidance on completing the SAF are available at RPW Online. If you require additional help to access online services, please call our Customer Contact Centre on 0300 062 5004. One to one support can be arranged at a number of Welsh Government offices.

SAF 2017 Open Meeting Dates

Welsh Government has arranged a series of open meetings to be delivered by Farm Liaison Service officers. These meetings will provide you with the latest information on SAF 2017 and other current issues. All meetings will start at 19:30. If you wish to attend one of the meetings, you must register by contacting Farming Connect either by e-mail or by phoning the Service Centre on 08456000813.

BPS National Reserve 2017

If you don’t currently receive BPS and wish to apply for the National Reserve under the New Entrant and/or Young Farmer categories you should use the SAF to do this.

Transfer of BPS entitlements

Farmers can transfer their BPS entitlements by sale or lease with or without land or via inheritance. Transfer of Entitlements online forms are available for you to complete using your RPW Online account. The Welsh Government must be notified before midnight on 2 May 2017 of any transfers in order for you to make a claim on those entitlements on the SAF 2017. Any transfers submitted after that date will be processed, but will not be available to you until the following scheme year (e.g. if submitted 3 May 2017 those entitlements could not be claimed on the SAF until 2018)

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone

The current Avian Influenza Prevention Zone is in place until 30 April 2017 and applies to the whole of Wales. Please visit the Welsh Government Avian Influenza webpages for further advice.

Cattle keepers reminded of TB testing requirements for summer grazing and for movements to or from common land

Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Professor Christianne Glossop, has reminded farmers that cattle need to have had a clear TB test no more than 60 days before they can be moved for summer grazing or to common land. Farmers who graze cattle on common land should contact APHA on 0300 303 8268 to discuss their individual circumstances and requirements.

Quarantine Units

From late Spring 2017, livestock keepers will be able to use Quarantine Units to manage their animal movements as an alternative to current 6 Day Standstill (6DSS) Rules. All keepers will be contacted to advise them of the new arrangements and to inform them of when they can apply. More details are available on the quarantine unit page of the Welsh Government website.

Reminder for cattle keepers: Summer grazing

Cattle keepers are reminded that BCMS are no longer issuing CTSlinks, as a result of changes being made to simplify the CPH system in Wales. Further information available on the Welsh Government website.

Exciting opportunity for new entrants seeking to venture into the Dairy sector

A Ceredigion farming family is challenging the traditional pathway of progression in the Welsh dairy sector.

Assessing milking routines at Ffosyficer

Simple milking parlour adjustments costing just 50p a cow are helping a Pembrokeshire dairy farming partnership improve teat hygiene and milk quality, and reduce annual concentrate costs by up to £30,345.

Glastir Advanced 2018

Farmers and land managers have until midnight on 31 March 2017 to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for Glastir Advanced 2018 via an RPW Online account. Contract Managers will visit selected applicants to draw up a Glastir Advanced contract. Contracts can include Management Options and Capital Works which will deliver environmental improvements for habitats, species, soil and water.

Glastir Small Grants - Carbon Theme

Capital Works claims for Glastir Small Grants Carbon projects should be submitted via RPW Online by 31 March 2017. Before and after Geotagged photographs must be uploaded with your claim.

Glastir Small Grants – Landscape and Pollinators

The Landscape and Pollinators Expression of Interest window is open and closes at midnight on 18 April 2017. Glastir Small Grants guidance is available on the Welsh Government website.

Glastir Woodland Creation

The Expression of Interest window is open and closes at midnight on 1 May 2017. Glastir Woodland Creation guidance is available on the Welsh Government website.

Rural Community Development Fund

Urgent - Expression of Interest Window closes on 31 March 2017. Grants which are primarily aimed at LEADER Local Action Groups and other community-based organisations.

Co-operative Forest Planning Scheme

Expression of Interest Window open until 30 April 2017. Encourage planning for the creation of broadleaved and conifer woodland. Providing financial support for a range of activities that will support this goal, and therefore improve the management of our natural resources, and contribute to the well-being of our rural communities.

Timber Business Investment Scheme

Expression of Interest Window open until 28 April 2017. Supporting the sustainable management of natural resources and adding value to forest products.

Co-operation and Supply Chain Development

Expression of Interest window closes on 10 April 2017. The Co-operation and Supply Chain Development Scheme supports co-operation activities across the agriculture, food and forestry sectors.

Cletwr Café present at the ‘Villages and small towns as catalysts for rural development – challenges and opportunities’ event

Nigel Callaghan, Chair of Cwmni Cletwr, the community group who run the Cletwr Shop, Café and Community Hub in Tre’r Ddôl, mid-way between Machynlleth and Aberystwyth, recently visited Brussels to talk to an EU committee about the work of the group and its impact on the community.