Avian Influenza Prevention Zone biosecurity self-assessment checklist

In response to the increased risk of Avian Influenza, we have produced an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone biosecurity self-assessment checklist.

New regulations announced to address agricultural pollution in Wales

On 27 January the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, announced new regulations to address the ongoing unacceptable levels of agricultural pollution in Wales. The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021 will come into force on 1 April 2021 and will include transition periods to phase in measures up to 1 August 2024.
The Regulations establish baseline standards in Wales, comparable to those in the rest of the UK and Europe and are proportionate, focusing on those farms where the environmental risk from poor slurry management is greatest.

Sustainable Land Management update

We have published a White Paper consultation which sets out plans for the next phase of agricultural policy in Wales. The paper sets the scene for the Agriculture (Wales) Bill which will be introduced in the next Senedd term. It takes some of the ideas which we presented in “Sustainable Farming and our Land” and builds upon them, following the responses we received.
We welcome your views on this and encourage you to respond to the consultation.

Changes to Basic Payment Scheme 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. This will be available early 2021.

Transfer of BPS Entitlements 2021 window now open

Farmers can transfer their BPS Entitlements by sale, lease or via inheritance. The 2021 transfer window opened on 4 January 2021.
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.

Cross Compliance – 2021

The vast majority of Cross Compliance rules continue to apply as in 2020. However some fact sheets have been updated for 2021. This is due to changes in requirements and good practice, and to clarify some of the wording. There are also changes to the Cross Compliance 2021 Verifiable Standards for classifying breaches of Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAEC) and Statutory Management Requirements (SMR).
You should check and review Cross compliance regulations on a regular basis.

EID Cymru is 5 years old this month!

EIDCymru is our free online movement reporting service for sheep, goat and deer. Keepers can report movements online using EIDCymru online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You can use EIDCymru to:

• report movements for your holding using the create movement or accept movement functions
• view the movement records held for animals on your holding
• send us information electronically to resolve problems
• complete your annual sheep and goat inventory online

Contact EIDCymru, or phone 01970 636959, if you need further assistance.

Equine microchip deadline: 12 February 2021 

The Equine Identification Regulations came into force in February 2019. They set out responsibilities for equine keepers, owners or breeders. They also set out a requirement to identify horses, ponies, donkeys or related animals with a microchip, as well as a passport. If you need to discuss this deadline, please contact us.

National Sheep Association helps members source lambing team

The National Sheep Association (NSA) Lambing List for the 2020/2021 lambing season is now available.
The Lambing List connects sheep farming members of the NSA who need assistance at lambing time with agricultural and veterinary students looking for a work experience placement as part of their studies.

Approved Finishing Units and TB Dedicated Sales (orange markets)

The Rearing Approved Finishing Units (AFU’s) are now operational.
In November 2020 a pilot market (“Orange Market”) for TB Dedicated Sales was run. As a result, from 1 January 2021, other markets in the High TB Areas of Wales will be able to apply for approval to hold a TB Dedicated Sale. This will be for a 12 month period and reviewed thereafter.

The Agriculture in Wales White Paper consultation: webinar

The Agriculture in Wales White Paper sets out the plans for what may be the biggest change in agriculture policy in decades. We are proposing to replace the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and other EU agri-environment schemes with a single direct support scheme for farming. These changes will affect the way you farm and it’s important that we hear your views on the proposals. This event will give you the chance to ask questions directly to those involved with developing the policy.

Apply for Farming Connect skills funding

The Farming Connect skills funding application window is open until 26 February. Up to 80% funding is available for a wide range of courses with approved training providers.

Agricultural Minimum Wage Legislation - we would like to hear your views

The Independent Agricultural Advisory Panel advises Welsh Ministers on the agricultural minimum wage, and terms and conditions of employment for workers in agriculture, horticulture and forestry sectors. We would like to hear your views and experiences of the agricultural minimum wage in Wales.
The Agricultural Minimum Wage is in its fifth year. It is important to ensure it continues to meet the needs of an ever changing industry. We have commissioned ADAS to carry out a survey on agricultural employment in Wales. The survey will be open until 31 January 2021.

UK National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides

We want your views on the revised ‘National Action Plan (NAP) for the Sustainable use of Pesticides’.
Defra, Welsh Government, Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Assembly are consulting on a revised plan for the sustainable use of pesticides. The aim is to minimise the risks and impacts of pesticides to human health and the environment. And at the same time, to ensure pests and pesticide resistance are managed effectively.

EU exit: resources

Now that the UK’s Transition Period has ended, the Welsh Government continues to update guidance for businesses trading with the EU, and with Northern Ireland. The latest information on how your business can adapt to the new trading rules is available on the Preparing Wales website, as well as on the Business Wales EU Transition Portal. Be sure to also check the https://www.gov.uk/transition website, which now offers the Brexit checker to get a personalised list of actions for you, your business, and your family.

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.