Gwlad newsletter 12 December 2019

12 November 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 

NEWS

Lesley Griffiths

Agricultural Pollution Regulations

Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, has issued a statement about agricultural pollution regulations.

Welsh woodland

Basic Payment Scheme 2021

The Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths recently announced her intention to extend the Basic Payment Scheme to 2021, subject to sufficient funding being provided by the next UK Government for agricultural support.

This will provide assurances to farmers and enable a smooth, multi-year transition to a new system of farm support.

Welsh countryside

Transfer of BPS Entitlements 2020

The application period for BPS Transfer and Lease of entitlements for 2020 is open. We must be notified by 30 April 2020 in order for you to make a claim on entitlements you are receiving for the 2020 scheme year.

Glastir

Glastir Capital Works 2019

You should check your RPW Online account for a notification of unclaimed Capital Works. All unclaimed Capital Works items must be completed by 31 December 2019 and claimed no later than 28 January 2020 via their RPW Online account.

RPW Online

Glastir Advanced, Commons and Organic contract extensions/renewals 

Customers whose contracts expire 31 December 2019 have been offered a contract extension/ renewal. The contract was offered via your RPW Online account, customers must accept their contract by 31 December 2019.

Welsh river

Time to act - deadline approaching for previous exempt water abstractors

If you take more than 20 cubic meters (4,400 gallons) per day from a surface or groundwater source like a river, a well or a borehole you are likely to need a transitional licence and need to act NOW.
You need to submit a valid application by  31 December 2019.

Application forms and further information can be found by clicking the headline above or by phoning 0300 065 3000.

Sheep

Sheep and Goat Annual Inventory 2020

The Sheep and Goat Annual Inventory form will be posted to all keepers from mid-December. The Annual Inventory is a legal requirement to record the total number of sheep and goats you own on 1 January 2020.  The Annual Inventory must be returned by 30 January 2020.

Cows

Bovine Electronic Identification – update

Bovine Electronic Identification (EID) is being introduced to the UK. We will be issuing a consultation in the New Year. Keep an eye out for it on gov.wales. Email AdnabodDaByw.LivestockID@gov.wales for further information.

Oil storage

Regulations on oil storage in Wales

The regulations to protect the environment and properties as a result of spills from oil storage containers came into force in Wales from 15 March 2016 and will be extended to all tanks from 15 March 2020.

Kevin Roberts

Kevin Roberts reappointed as Chair of Hybu Cig Cymru

Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths has confirmed the reappointment of Kevin Roberts as Chair of Hybu Cig Cymru, extending his term by a further twelve months.

Lamb

Do you want to be involved in how Welsh red meat is developed, promoted and marketed the ‘Welsh Way’?

If so, there are currently 4 member vacancies on the board of Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) / Meat Promotion Wales and the closing date for applications is 5 January 2020, so apply now to make a difference.

Natural Resources Wales

Need to register farm waste activity

All farmers who manage waste need to register or renew their waste exemptions with Natural Resources Wales.

Farming Connect

Demonstration Sites Projects to inform decision-making on Welsh farms

A diverse range of projects that will inform future decision-making on Welsh farms are underway on Farming Connect’s new Demonstration Sites.
The projects, applicable to dairy, red meat, poultry and forestry, are being rolled out on the 18 farms recruited earlier this year.

Dairy

Early detection of lameness can minimise foot health problems in Welsh dairy herds

Recognising signs of lameness at an early stage can improve foot health in Welsh dairy and beef herds. The average Welsh dairy herd has a 32% incidence of lameness, undermining cow fertility, milk yield and longevity.

Brexit

Preparing Wales to leave the EU

Farmers, fishers, food producers. Now is the time to plan and prepare in every way you can for Brexit.
Preparing Wales contains up-to-date advice, guidance, and bespoke support, helping you to plan for the future of your business after Brexit.

Snow

Winter on the farm 

It is very important that you are prepared for any adverse weather conditions which may impact on your farm business. Making some small changes now can save you considerable time, distress and money in the future. Further information can be found on the Welsh Government website.

Wales Veterinary Science Centre logo

What to do if you find a dead badger

If you find a dead badger, you should report it, giving the location of the badger:

Swan

Report a dead bird

You should report the following:

  • any dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks)
  • other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey

To report, contact the DEFRA helpline:
03459 33 55 77 (select option 7)

Welsh coast and countryside

Micro Small Business Fund (MSBF)

MSBF is an investment fund for projects in the tourism sector in Wales. It can be used either to upgrade existing or create new high quality product.

Helplines

Addington Fund

Telephone: 01926 620135

Website: https://www.addingtonfund.org.uk/

DPJ Foundation 

Telephone: 0800 587 4262 or text: 07860 048799

Email: contact@thedpjfoundation.com  

Website: http://www.thedpjfoundation.com/

Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI)

Telephone: 0808 281 9490.

Email: grants@rabi.org.uk 

Website: https://rabi.org.uk/

The Farming Community Network (FCN)

Telephone: 03000 111 999

Website: http://www.fcn.org.uk/

Tir Dewi (Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire)

Telephone: 0800 121 47 22

Website: https://www.tirdewi.co.uk/

 
 

ABOUT GWLAD

Gwlad is the Welsh Government’s e-newsletter for farm and forestry businesses and all those involved with agriculture in Wales.

Find out more on the web:

gov.wales/farming-countryside

Follow on Twitter:

@WGmin_Rural

@WG_FarmingFood

@WG_Fisheries