Farm Business Grant – Yard Coverings

The 2nd Expression of Interest (EOI) window for the Farm Business Grant (FBG) – Yard Coverings is currently open and closes on 25 June 2021. EOI application forms are available for you to complete using your RPW Online account.

Glastir Small Grants - Landscape & Pollinators

The Glastir Small Grants - Landscape & Pollinators Expression of Interest (EOI) window is currently open and will close on 25 June 2021. EOI application forms are available for you to complete using your RPW Online account.

Glastir Woodland Restoration - Window 9

Glastir Woodland Restoration Expression of Interest (EOI) window 9 is currently open and closes on 25 June 2021. EOI application forms are available for you to complete using your RPW Online account.

Cross Compliance – 2021

The Cross Compliance rules have been updated to reflect the introduction of the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021 to address agricultural pollution in Wales. The Statutory Management Requirements (SMR) 1 Factsheet and associated sections of the Cross Compliance Verifiable Standards have been amended.

New Welsh Government Rural Affairs Twitter Channel Launched

A new official Welsh Government Rural Affairs Twitter channel has been launched as a result of the latest cabinet reshuffle. Follow the new channel @WGRural for the latest news and updates on Rural Affairs.

Improving Air Quality

A new online tool has been launched in Wales to help farmers cut ammonia emissions.

The new Clean Air Tool, which sits on the Farming Connect website, gives practical advice on steps farmers can take to lower emissions.

Are you ready for a new challenge, to be who you want to be? It’s time to apply for this year’s Agri Academy!

The application window for this year’s Agri Academy are open from Monday, 7 June until Wednesday, 30 June. Interviews for shortlisted applicants will take place virtually during the week commencing Monday, 5 July.

Welsh livestock farms target production efficiencies to reduce emissions

Two Welsh livestock farms are taking steps to boost production efficiencies to make their systems more carbon-efficient. Bryn Farm, near Cardigan, and Hendre Ifan Goch, at Bridgend, are both Farming Connect demonstration sites. Through their project work with Farming Connect, they are working with independent beef and sheep specialist Dr Liz Genever to implement actions to reduce emissions further.

Low TB Area

A number of temporary TB measures have been introduced between 1 June and Autumn 2021 in the Low TB area to tackle a spike in disease.

Follow the link to find out further information on what these measures are and how they could affect you if you are located in the relevant area.

Discontinuation of TB testing concessions due to COVID-19

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic a number of temporary concessions were made to the TB Eradication Programme due to the restrictions imposed for social distancing and requirements for self-isolation. From 1 July these temporary arrangements will be lifted. Further guidance can be found on the TB Hub.

Regulating Coal Tip Safety in Wales

The Law Commission of England and Wales has launched a consultation on a proposed new coal tip safety regime in Wales. The consultation is part of a review of disused coal tip safety legislation, commissioned by the Welsh Government, who are committed to introducing new legislation to provide a fit-for purpose regulatory regime for the more than 2,000 disused coal tips in Wales. The majority of these tips are located on private land, including farmland. The consultation seeks views on proposals, which will help develop this new statutory regime.

The consultation is open until 10 September 2021. 

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.