Case study of the Month: EIP WALES – bringing practical and scientific backgrounds together to benefit the wider industry

Since it first launched in 2016, EIP Wales has enabled more than 200 individuals working at the grass roots level of the agricultural industry to benefit from the latest technologies and scientific outcomes from academic and scientific experts throughout the world. EIP Wales is delivered by Menter a Busnes.

Share your vision for our economy - Mid Wales and South West Wales Economic Frameworks

Working together, the Welsh Government and regional partners are inviting people to join them in establishing a shared vision for the distinct economies of Mid Wales and South West Wales. Working together, we can overcome challenges and take opportunities to the benefit of all in the region. Over the coming months, there will be a number of ways in which you can get involved.

Have you got an interest in wool? Do you work with wool? Are you a wool producer? Do you knit? Whatever your involvement, we want you to be involved. Wool & Textile Discussion Group on Tuesday, 24 November 2020 09:50. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/grwp-trafod-gwlan-tecstilau-wool-textile-discussion-group-tickets-128845108187 

and for further info, please get in contact at ruralnetwork@gov.wales

Wales Climate Week 2nd-6th November 2020

The Welsh Government held a series of free, digital and interactive events across the week, where anyone passionate about climate change could join conversations with national and global policy makers, campaigners and innovators about how climate change can be tackled. Sessions provided practical examples of what individuals and organisations can do themselves to help fight against Wales’ climate emergency.

To take a look at some of the highlights from the week, please click on the following link: https://waterfront.eventscase.com/EN/walesclimateweek/On-demand

The first 14 sites for the National Forest for Wales were announced during Wales Climate Week.  These are the first of many sites for the National Forest, the ambition being to link together a network of woodlands across Wales.  As well as announcing the sites and the National Forest for Wales brand, a webinar entitled - Our National Forest; Woodlands that deliver for Society and Nature was held with panelists from Confor, Farming Connect, ReNew Wales and Forest Research.

Further detail of the announcement and the development of the National Forest Programme can be found here National Forest for Wales - Announcement of first Sites

Farm Business Grant – Yard Coverings

Expressions of interest opened on the 9th November and closes on the 18th December 2020.

The scheme will support roofing over any previously uncovered existing livestock feeding areas, livestock gathering areas, manure storage areas, existing slurry stores and existing silage stores. The scheme will also support some secondary items, including rainwater goods for existing buildings, rainwater harvesting systems and slurry analysis kits.

Glastir Woodland Creation

The Glastir Woodland Creation expression of interest closes at midnight on 15th January 2021.

The tenth round of Glastir Woodland Creation has opened on 16th November, with an increase in budget to £9 million. The scheme provides funding for land managers and farming businesses who wish to create new woodland. This is the largest budget to date for Glastir Woodland Creation.

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.

FarmWell Wales
FarmWell Wales provides Welsh farmers with the most up-to-date information and details of support services. This can help them and their businesses stay resilient through times of change and volatility.

Farming Connect make plans to Zoom around the World

As restrictions on unnecessary travel continue due to Covid-19, Farming Connect is taking farmers and foresters on a series of virtual international farm tours.

Farming Connect are encouraging registered businesses to submit their preferred themes, topics and any businesses they feel should be featured. Suggestions are welcomed from all sectors of agriculture, including horticulture, forestry and niche sectors not yet explored. The deadline for submitting proposals is 12:00pm on Friday 27 November 2020. 

The Border Operating Model

The UK Government has set out the processes businesses need to follow in order to import & export to and from GB from next year.

European Week of Regions and Cities 2020
The 18th edition of the #EURegionsWeek was also the first fully digital edition. The event, spread out over three weeks (5-22 October 2020), provided opportunities to explore and share best practices on how regions and cities can work together for a stronger cohesion policy and how to deal with these challenging times.

EU agri-food product marketing standards evaluated

EU agri-food product marketing standards evaluated
Marketing standards have been a feature of the EU's agri-food quality policy in the overall CAP framework since its early days. EU marketing standards aim to help Member States to reflect consumers' quality expectations and contribute to improving producer competitiveness.

Conclusions from the ‘Evaluation of marketing standards’ published recently by the European Commission clarify how EU marketing standards for agri-food products have been effective in establishing a standardised and satisfactory quality while also being useful for stakeholders.

• Welsh Government - COVID-19; (Coronavirus)
• Rural Payments Wales (RPW): coronavirus  (COVID-19)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) news
• COVID-19 LEADER Activities