Preparing Wales website

Following the UK’s departure from the EU on 31 January we are now in a transition period; during this time, the way you do business with the EU will not change. However, you will need to prepare and make changes to continue to do business at the end of the transition period.

Glastir Entry and Advanced Support Scheme

The Glastir Entry and Advanced Support Scheme, subject to certain eligibility criteria, is available for customers whose claim was not fully processed by the opening of the payment window. The scheme will pay up to 50% of the anticipated Glastir Entry & Advanced claim value. The scheme is only available to those who submitted a Glastir Entry & Advanced claim via their SAF 2019. This is an opt-in scheme which means customers need to apply by 14 February 2020 if they wish to receive a support payment. There will be no further opportunity to apply after the 14 February 2020. 

Cross Compliance – 2020

The vast majority of Cross Compliance rules continue to apply as in 2019. However some fact sheets have been updated for 2020. This reflects the changes in requirements, good practice and clarifies some of the wording. There have also been some changes to the Cross Compliance 2020 Verifiable standards for classifying breaches of Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAEC) and Statutory Management Requirements (SMR) 2020. You should regularly check and review Cross compliance regulations.

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.

Farm Business Grant

The 7th expression of interest window for the Farm Business Grant (FBG) will open on the 2 March 2020. Eligibility for the Welsh Government’s 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 partner with FC and Rural Payment Wales. Contact FC to book your place.

Reminder - changes in movement restrictions in TB breakdowns now in place (Bovine TB Eradication programme: FAQs)

The rules regarding the management of TB breakdown herds have changed for herd owners keeping cattle on multiple holdings (with different CPHs), but where these holdings are all run as one business. In order to more effectively control cattle movements and to provide a consistency of approach, each holding (CPH) will be served with a separate restriction Notice Prohibiting the Movement of Bovine Animals (TB02). Licensed movements of cattle between the holdings may still be possible, subject to a satisfactory veterinary risk assessment.

Up to £3,000 funding available for Farming Connect group study visits in the UK

“Visiting rural businesses in different regions is a valuable way to see best practice in action, discover new ways of working and re-energise your own business.” So says Gwenan Davies of Mydroilyn YFC, following a 3-day Farming Connect study group visit.

Mid Wales agri student aims high with Farming Connect

Cerys Fairclough, a 16-year-old agricultural student, says being selected for last year’s Farming Connect Agri Academy Junior Programme has given her a clear vision of what she needs to succeed as a woman in agriculture.

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:

• telephone: 0808 1695110
• e-mail: badger@bfd.wales
• website: www.bfd.wales

Regulations on oil storage in Wales

The regulations to protect the environment and properties as a result of spills from oil storage containers will be extended to cover all tanks from 15 March 2020.

Co-operation and Supply Chain Development Scheme

The next expression of interest window for the Co-operation and Supply Chain Development Scheme opens on 10 February 2020 and will close on 9 March 2020.

Enabling Natural Resources and Well-being scheme

The expression of interest window for the Enabling Natural Resources and Well-being scheme is now open and will close on 13 March 2020.

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.