Gwlad newsletter 31 January 2019

31 January 2019

Top Story

Email address closures – Scheme Management Unit (SMU) and Rural Payments Wales (RPW)

As part of our drive to improve the customer experience and manage enquiries effectively, RPW will no longer be monitoring or replying to emails sent to the following email addresses after 28 February 2019:

These are outside of the RPW Online environment.
Customers are reminded that any digital communication needs to be sent via their individual RPW Online account whether that’s submitting enquiries or uploading documents. Customers can also contact our dedicated Customer Contact Centre on 0300 062 5004.

News

Sustainable Production Grant

The second expression of interest window for the Sustainable Production Grant (SPG) will open on 4 March and close on 12 April 2019. Eligibility for the SPG requires a partner in the business to attend a Sustainable Farming event organised by Farming Connect (FC). The individual attending must be registered as a business partner with FC and Rural Payments Wales. Click on the headline for information about a Sustainable Farming event near you.

Farm Business Grant - Window 6

The sixth expression of interest window for the Farm Business Grant (FBG) will open on 4 March and close on 12 April 2019. Eligibility for the FBG requires a partner in the business to attend a Farming for the Future event organised by Farming Connect (FC). The individual attending must be registered as a business partner with FC and Rural Payments Wales. Click on the headline for information about a Farming for the Future event near you.

Farm Business Grant – Window 5

The deadline for submitting invoices and the accompanying accountant’s letter for Window 5 is 19 March 2019. Customers must claim for all the items listed using their RPW Online Capital Works claim page.

Single Application Form 2019

The Single Application Form 2019 will be available from 4 March. Guidance and information will be available online.

Transfer of BPS Entitlements 2019

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. You must notify the Welsh Government before midnight on 30 April 2019 of any transfers in order for you to make a claim on entitlements you are receiving, in a particular scheme year.

Government Gateway reminder

RPW Online customers yet to login since 10 December 2018 are reminded to complete the Government Gateway registration process. Customers will be asked to verify their email address, create a memorable word (used for account recovery) and keep or amend their existing login details.

RPW Online – New Customer Online Registration

Rural Payments Wales has now moved from its paper-based registration process to a new online registration system. This new process will allocate new customers a unique Customer Reference Number (CRN) and provide instant access to the RPW Online website.

Access your RPW online account on a regular basis

With the majority of communication from Rural Payment Wales now on line it is vital all businesses registered with RPW online access their accounts on a regular basis. Notification of application windows, progress with applications and claims, reminders and messages are all conveyed on line. If you need assistance please contact the RPW Customer Contact Centre on 03000625004 or the Farm Liaison Service team.

Manage My Land

Farm businesses are reminded that Manage My Land changes must be submitted within 30 days of the change taking place in order to avoid penalties.

Preparing Wales

The Preparing Wales website provides information which will help people and organisations prepare for Brexit in the immediate run-up to 29 March and into the transition period, particularly in the event of a no deal scenario.

Farming Connect Agri Academy 2019

The search is on for the next generation of rural leaders and entrepreneurs. Farming Connect’s recruitment campaign for the 2019 intake of Agri Academy candidates is now open.

What to do if you find a dead badger

Any individual who comes across a dead badger carcass should call 0808 1695110 for further information and instruction in dealing with these carcases.