Changes to Basic Payment Scheme 2021 - Greening

Following the Minister’s announcement regarding BPS and RDP simplification on 16 November 2020, legislation is being introduced to remove the BPS Greening requirements for 2021.

A summary of responses to the Sustainable Farming and Our Land: simplifying agricultural support consultation is now available. Full details of the changes to BPS will be provided in the Single Application Form 2021 guidance early next year.

Transfer of BPS Entitlements 2021

Farmers can transfer their BPS Entitlements by sale, lease or via inheritance.
We are proposing to open the 2021 transfer window on 4 January 2021, subject to the legislation being introduced. Transfer of Entitlements online forms will be available for you to complete using your RPW Online account. Entitlement values displayed on your account are subject to change.
You must notify us before midnight on 15 May 2021 of any transfers in order for you to make a claim on entitlements you are receiving in 2021.

Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020

Our Rural Development Programme new scheme EOI opening dates have been published.

Farm Business Grant – Yard Coverings

Farm Business Grant – Yard Coverings Expression of Interest window is now open and will close on 18 December 2020.

The scheme will help reduce the overall amount of dirty water and slurry on Welsh farms.
The aim of this scheme is to provide farmers with financial support of between £3,000 and £12,000 to help them improve existing infrastructure, in order to support improvements in on-farm nutrient management. The new schemes guidance has been published.

Glastir Woodland Creation 10 – Capital

Glastir Woodland Creation 10 Expression of Interest window opened on 16 November and will close on 15 January.
The scheme guidance has been published.

Manage My CPH e-Learning Modules

CPH eLearning modules have been developed to support livestock keepers, unions and agents use Manage My CPH via RPW Online.
Customers are encouraged to access and complete the interactive eLearning package. The modules are designed to be easy to use, and will help customers to register and update their land details using Manage My CPH.

The Sheep and Goat Annual Inventory 2021

The Annual Inventory is a legal requirement to record the total number of sheep and goats you own on 1 January 2021.  All Welsh keepers will receive a letter and information pack advising them of this from the end of December. The Annual Inventory must be returned by 1 February 2021.

It is quicker and easier to complete your inventory online.

For 2021, keepers who submitted their inventory electronically in previous years or have an active account, will be asked to complete their inventory online. These keepers will not receive a paper copy of the form in their information pack.  If you would prefer to complete a paper form, or if you have any queries, please e-mail EIDCymru or phone 01970 636959.

Guidance for horse keepers and details of upcoming equine microchip deadline

A newly revised version of Horse Guidance for Keepers is now available online. If you keep horses or will keep horses in the future, please familiarise yourself with your legal requirements. Further details of your legal requirements to microchip your horse by 12 February 2021 are available, or contact EquineIDceffylau.

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.

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.

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone

In response to the increased risk of Avian Influenza, on 11 November an all Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone was introduced. This is being kept under constant review.

Cost saving wins can be captured in beef systems with earlier finishing

Improving silage quality by just 1.5ME can reduce beef finishing costs by £38/head.
At Pantyderi farm in Pembrokeshire, Wyn and Eurig Jones are aiming to increase efficiency in the 300 beef cattle they finish annually. To reduce the cost of bought-in feed they are making better quality silage.

Preparing your business for the end of the UK/EU transition period

There may still be some uncertainty about how to do business from 1 January 2021 but there are actions you can take now to get ready.

Get a GB EORI number

You will need an EORI number to complete customs declarations.

Decide how you’re going to make customs declarations

Customs agents, freight forwarders and express operators can help you with declarations and ensure you’re providing the necessary information.

See if your imported goods are eligible for staged controls

Most traders with a good compliance record will be able to defer import declarations on most goods for up to 6 months after 1 January 2021.

HMRC advice for preparing your business

Advice from HMRC on action you can take now to prepare your business.

Exporting UK livestock to the EU from 1 January 2021

From 1 January 2021 the UK will have left the EU and will likely be trading as a third country. New rules for entry of livestock into the EU will apply in 2021. If you export livestock, you will need to prepare.

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.

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.