Last Gwlad before the 2021 Senedd elections

Please note that this will be the last edition of the Gwlad newsletter until May due to the upcoming commencement of the pre-election period. We look forward to continue keeping you updated once this period has ended after the Senedd elections take place in May 2021.

Transfer of BPS Entitlements 2021 

The application period for BPS Transfer and Lease of entitlements for 2021 is open. We must be notified by 15 May 2021 in order for you to make a claim on entitlements you are receiving in 2021.

Timber Investment Scheme

The Timber Investment Scheme is now open and closes on 9 April 2021.

Farm Business Grant

The 8th expression of interest window for the Farm Business Grant (FBG) is open and closes on 9 April 2021.  Online forms are available for you to complete using your RPW Online account.

Glastir Small Grants

Glastir Small Grants (Water 2020): All Capital Works Projects must be completed and claimed by 31 March 2021. Claims must be submitted via RPW Online and include all ‘before’ and ‘after’ Geotagged photographs.

Cross Compliance – 2021

The Cross Compliance rules will be updated shortly to reflect the introduction of the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021 to address agricultural pollution in Wales. Whilst the regulations apply to all land in Wales, transitional periods have been provided for certain requirements, for land not previously falling within a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ). The Statutory Management Requirements (SMR) 1 Factsheet and associated sections of the Cross Compliance Verifiable Standards will be amended to reflect the requirements from 1 April 2021.

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 before it closes on 26 March 2021.

Avian influenza (bird flu): latest update

High Pathogenic Avian Influenza has been confirmed at a premises in Anglesey. All Protection and Surveillance zones have now been removed. Local movement restrictions have also been removed. However, the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) measures remain in place.
Members of the public are encouraged to report dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or gulls, or 5 or more dead wild birds of other species in the same location, to the Defra helpline on 03459 335577.

New Welsh pig keeper guidance

A newly revised version of the Pig Keepers Guidance is now available online. If you keep pigs or will keep pigs in the future, please familiarise yourself with your legal requirements.

Regional grass growth figures and Spring Grazing Management notes for this year are now available

Our growth rates will be shared every fortnight. If you see a farm within the same region as you, monitor their grass growth, as it is likely a similar growth trend is happening on your farm! This will help support proactive management decisions on your own farm. Pasture quality is incredibly high on our project farms, all over 12ME and 19% protein! The high quality means that if you have sufficient quantity there should be no need to feed any additional concentrate supplements.

Do you want to improve your ICT skills? 

We live in a digital age! The most progressive farm and forestry businesses are tapping into its benefits – but only if they have the right ICT skills!
Farming Connect provides fully-funded computer training for all eligible farm and forestry businesses registered with Farming Connect. It won’t cost you anything but your time!

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.