Simplification of Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Rural Development (RD) Schemes for 2021

We have published a consultation which puts forward proposals for how we could simplify Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Rural Development (RD) schemes for 2021.

Consultation responses must be received by 23 October 2020. 

Change to accessing RPW Online – Multi-Factor Authentication

As part of the UK Government Gateway Transformation Programme, an additional layer of security known as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) was introduced on 3 August 2020 for RPW On-line customers.

Glastir Advance Contracts

Glastir Advance contract holders whose contract is due to end on the 31 December 2020 will be offered extensions. You will need to read the contract as it may contain some changes. You will have 21 days to accept the offer. You will need to check your RPW Online accounts regularly.

Glastir Commons and Glastir Organic contract extensions will also be issued this autumn and we will provide details in due course.

Glastir Small Grants – Landscape and Pollinators 2019

Customers who were issued a contract for the above mentioned scheme have until 30 September to submit a claim
All capital works items scheduled within the contract must be completed and claimed for by this date.
Claims must be submitted via RPW Online and include all ‘before’ and ‘after’ Geotagged photographs. Late claims will be rejected.

Agricultural and Horticultural Survey 2020

If you have been selected for this year’s survey you will have received your form through the post. You can complete it online until 30 September.

Sheep and Goat Record 2020

The newly updated Sheep and Goat record is now available. If you would like a pre-printed flock book, please contact EIDCymru and a copy will posted to you:
• email - contact@eidcymru.org
• phone - 01970 636759

Vacancy: interim environmental protection assessor for Wales

We are looking to appoint an experienced specialist in environmental law to oversee the interim environmental protection arrangements in Wales. The Interim Environmental Protection Assessor, Wales will oversee complaints relating to environmental law in Wales.

Once we reach the end of the Transition Period in January, the oversight of environmental law in Wales, provided by the EU Commission, will cease to apply. This pivotal role enables the people of Wales to continue to raise concerns about implementation of, and compliance with, environmental legislation. Crucially, the work of the Interim Assessor, in conjunction with the continued application of the four core EU environmental principles, will ensure we build upon our world-leading environmental standards in Wales.

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 and export to and from GB from next year. 

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.

National Forest for Wales: online webinar for farmers and landowners

The National Forest Programme is still at an early stage. Work on specific locations has not yet begun. We are at the start of our engagement phase to understand which approach we might take to deliver maximum benefits. The proposals developed for the National Forest need to work for everyone. We want to work with farmers to discuss how woodland on farmland can support our plans for the National Forest. We want to understand what you think will make the National Forest a success. The online webinar is scheduled for 6 October at 8pm.

Who has inspired you in 2020? Who can Wales be proud of?

The St David Awards are the national awards of Wales. They recognise and celebrate the exceptional achievements of people from all walks of life in Wales and beyond.

Coronavirus has had such an impact on all our lives this year and as such we will be selecting finalists in each category who have made a special contribution during the outbreak. We have also introduced a new ‘Key Worker’ category this year. Nominations close on 15 October 2020.

Farming Connect funded training courses

The skills funding window for the Farming Connect funded training courses opened on 7 September. The window will close at 5pm on Friday 30 October 2020.
To apply you need to register with Farming Connect before 5pm on Monday 26 October 2020. Even if the business is registered the individual applying for the funded training will also need to register with an individual email. Contact 08456 000 813 or register online.
There are over 80 courses available – all funded by up to 80%. All course details are listed at Farming Connect. 

Harmless bacteria help to reduce poultry shed ammonia levels at Welsh farm

A strategy of adding non-infective bacteria to the environment of hens at a Welsh free range egg farm is reducing ammonia levels that can impact on bird health.

Upland farm embarks on trials in bid to eliminate creep from lamb fattening

Protected urea can be a key tool for reducing emissions in grassland farming but a trial at a Welsh livestock farm has highlighted possible shortcomings of its performance in prolonged dry spells.

Local Places for Nature and Community Woodlands

Come and hear about National Lottery Heritage Fund and Welsh Government’s exciting new environmental grant programmes. We’ll tell you what you need to do apply, how much you can ask for, what you can spend it on and tell you about the innovative new projects we have funded over the summer.

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

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.