Dairy Support Scheme

The Welsh Dairy Support Scheme application aimed at supporting dairy producers to maintain production capacity during coronavirus (COVID-19) is now available on RPW Online and will close on 14 August.

The Border with the European Union: importing and exporting goods

The UK Government has set out the processes businesses need to follow in order to import & export to and from GB from next year. Click the headline to find out how it affects you.

SAF 2020 Preliminary Check letters

Farm businesses are reminded that RPW no longer issue paper preliminary check letters. The letters were issued through your RPW Online account, and a Broadcast Message was sent to advise you to view these online. Any changes to the SAF, following receipt of a letter must be notified to RPW by 20 July. If you require further assistance please contact the Customer Contact Centre on 0300 062 5004.

Farm Business Grant – Window 7

Claims together with supporting invoices and an accountants letter in respect of contracts that have a start date of 29 May will need to be submitted by the 25 September 2020. This should be done on your RPW Online account.

Rural Payments Wales (RPW) statement on coronavirus (COVID-19)

In response to the UK Government and Public Health Wales (PHW) advice on coronavirus, RPW have made changes to some of its services to ensure the health, safety and well-being of staff and customers. These changes will help RPW provide continued service, support and guidance on the many different schemes, rules and regulations they administer. Please keep checking the website for the latest information.

In-situ administrative checks and inspections

RPW has introduced an alternative process to the in-situ requirements. Rather than undertake a visit, claimants need to submit geo-tagged photographs of work completed along with documentary evidence demonstrating compliance with scheme rules.
Some physical inspections re-started from 6 July, and will be undertaken in line with government social distancing guidelines. 

Change to accessing RPW Online – Multi-Factor Authentication

As part of the UK Government Gateway Transformation Programme an additional layer of security is being introduced from 3 August 2020 for RPW Online Customers, known as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Step by step guidance, is available on the Welsh Government website.

Glastir Woodland Creation

The expression of interest window for Glastir Woodland Creation is now open. The closing date has been extended to 31 July 2020.
There have been a number of changes to the application process for Glastir Woodland Creation. Important information on these changes is available in the guidance on our website.

Glastir Small Grants – Water

Glastir Small Grants (GSG) is a programme of capital works available to farming businesses to carry out projects to help improve water quality and reduce the risk of flooding. A window will open between 27 July and 4 September with a budget of £3.0m. Successful applicants need to complete the capital works and submit the final claim by 31 March 2021.
Further information and detail on the environmental investments that can be supported can be found by clicking the headline.
Applications and claims must be submitted via RPW on-line.

Consultation to tackle supply chain issues across UK dairy sector launched

A consultation to tackle supply chain issues across the UK dairy sector and provide new fairer conditions for milk contracts has today been launched by UK Governments.

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

Announcing Farming Connect’s Agri Academy Class of 2020 – waiting to zoom into action!

Farming Connect has announced the names of those selected to take part in the Agri Academy Class of 2020. This year’s intake of candidates includes farmers, would-be lawyers, and land agents as well as college and school students. Check out the Class of 2020 on our website.

Farming Connect online at this year’s Royal Welsh Show (July 20–23)

Despite the disappointment of not getting together at Builth Wells, the show will definitely go on, albeit remotely! Farming Connect has planned a thematic approach for the show’s four days, which all include a series of live webinars, Q&A sessions, an evening presentation from a ‘Demo Farm Live’ event in Pembrokeshire and much more.

Asulox – emergency authorisation for use in 2020

To allow the aerial application of Asulox to control bracken in 2020 an emergency authorisation for products containing the active substance, Asulam, has been approved - with conditions. For details of these restrictions and further information click on the headline above. Please note the conditions of use have changed since last year. If you require further information on pesticide use or regulation visit the Chemicals Regulation Division website.

Test, trace, protect: toolkit for critical worker employers

A toolkit and assets for critical worker employers to communicate the Test, Trace, Protect strategy.

Wales Rural Network Support Unit (WRNSU)

The WRNSU aids the exchange of ideas between rural organisations. It is available to anyone:

• interested in rural development
• involved with the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 and the schemes it funds.

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.

Farm Liaison Service

Confidential, one-to-one guidance and support. If you need to discuss any issues contact one of the Farm Liaison Service staff.