Gwlad newsletter 5 July 2018

5 July 2018

Top Story

RPW Online

When did you last access your RPW Online account? It is important you access on a regular basis to check for any messages, reminders and most importantly the progress of applications and claims. If you need assistance please contact the Rural Payments Wales Customer Contact Centre on 03000 625004 or one of the Farm Liaison Officers.

News

Suspicious emails

Farm businesses are reminded to be vigilant of suspicious emails asking them to submit financial and personal information. The Welsh Government or RPW will never call or email you to ask for financial information. If you receive a suspicious email, report it immediately to the RPW Customer Contact Centre. Do not disclose any personal information, open any attachments or click on URL links.

Glastir Small Grants – Water 2018

The opening and closing dates for Glastir Water 2018 are 9 July to 22 August.

Caernarfon office relocation

On 23 July 2018, RPW officials will be moving from their current office location in Caernarfon at North Penrallt and relocating to Victoria Dock in the town (LL55 1TH). We would like to reassure farm businesses that we aim to minimise any disruption caused by the move and that all contact numbers are still applicable including the Customer Contact Centre. Please note that the Animal Health team will no longer be co-located with RPW from 23 July 2018.

Farm Business Grants – Window 3

The deadline for submitting window 3 receipts and the accompanying accountant’s letter is 9 August 2018.

Woodland and Trees Strategy for Wales launched

Minister for Environment, Hannah Blythyn, has launched ‘Woodlands for Wales’, the updated woodlands and trees strategy for Wales.

Mandatory sheep carcase classification in Wales

The Welsh Government’s consultation on 'Introducing mandatory sheep carcase classification' in Wales is now open for responses. The consultation period will run until 28 August 2018.

New quarantine unit measures to protect Low TB Area during show season

In preparation for the show season, herd keepers in the Low TB Area should bear in mind they can use a quarantine unit to attend multiple shows to avoid the requirement to post-movement test after each move back to their holding.

What to do if you find a dead badger

If you come across a dead badger carcass you should phone the Wales Veterinary Science Centre on 0808 1695110 for further information and instruction.

Asulox – emergency authorisation for use in 2018

To allow the application of Asulox to control bracken in 2018 an emergency authorisation for products containing the active substance, Asulam, has been approved. The authorisation has restrictions and conditions associated with it. For details visit the Bracken Control Group website (external link above). If you require further information you can visit the Chemicals Regulation Division (external link) website.

Farming Connect’s mentoring programme set for expansion

A number of progressive farmers who have successfully diversified into ‘niche’ areas of agriculture such as milking ewes, rearing turkeys or pigs, producing goat meat products, bee keeping and farm tourism enterprises have been approved as mentors providing guidance and support under Farming Connect’s mentoring programme.

Young farmer who utilised Farming Connect services secures farm tenancy

A young farmer is farming in his own right after gaining support and confidence through Farming Connect initiatives to apply for the tenancy.

Micro Small Business Fund (MSBF)

The Micro Small Business Fund (MSBF) is available for micro to small size businesses with fewer than 50 FTE employees.

Sustainable Management Scheme - Expression of Interest window opens 26 July 2018.

The Sustainable Management Scheme will provide financial support for a range of activities that will improve the management of our natural resources and in doing so contribute to the well-being of our rural communities.