Avian influenza (bird flu): latest update

Know the latest risk to your poultry and pet birds and steps you must take.

Single Application Form (SAF) 2022

The Single Application Form (SAF) 2022 will be available to complete on RPW Online from 1 March 2022. The deadline for submitting your SAF is midnight 16 May 2022, or by 10 June 2022 with late penalties. A SAF cannot be submitted or accepted after 10 June 2022.

SAF 2022 Rules Booklet and How to Complete guide

Due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, we are unable to offer ‘Digital Assistance’ appointments. Please use the guidance to complete your online SAF as soon as possible.

Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) Transfer of Entitlements guidance 

The transfer notification facility for 2022 entitlements is available on RPW Online. RPW must be notified by 15 May 2022 in order for the recipient to make a claim on entitlements they are receiving for the 2022 BPS scheme year.

Cross Compliance – 2022

The vast majority of Cross Compliance rules continue to apply as in 2021, but some fact sheets have been updated for 2022. You should regularly check and review the Cross Compliance regulations. There have also been some changes to the Cross Compliance 2022 Verifiable Standards for classifying breaches of Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAEC) and Statutory Management Requirements (SMR).

Register to have your say in Wales’ future farming scheme

We are encouraging farmers to register to have their say on the proposals for the new Sustainable Farming Scheme. The first phase of co-design saw around 2000 people take part. To be involved in the second phase of co-designing the new Sustainable Farming Scheme, register your interest, or contact the Farm Liaison Service.

Woodland Creation Resource hub on Natural Resources Wales

The Woodland Creation Resource hub is a ‘one stop shop’ for farmers, landowners and land managers looking to plant trees. It helps identify the opportunities that trees on farms present and signposts to useful guidance and organisations that can provide support. The hub is still in its infancy, so please feel free to e-mail Natural Resources Wales with links to organisations and guidance that are missing.

National Forest Programme

Working together with the Woodland Trust, we have launched an initiative to offer every household in Wales the chance to plant a native tree in their garden. We hope individuals and local community groups will become involved in the National Forest Programme. The first trees will be available to collect from March 2022.

Reducing the impact of high fertiliser prices

Welsh Government is closely monitoring the current high cost of fertiliser which agricultural producers are currently facing. Advice is available from Hybu Cig Cymru, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and Farming Connect to help mitigate high fertiliser prices.

Grassland farmers can mitigate against impact on grass growth of applying less N

Improving efficiency through better soil, grazing and slurry management can help grassland farmers reduce the negative impact on grass growth from reducing nitrogen (N) inputs.

Novel ewe colostrum study shows significance of late pregnancy nutrition

Ewe nutrition in late pregnancy has been suggested as the major influence on colostrum quality in a new study.

Better control of Salmonella in sheep

Salmonella is the second most common cause of bacterial food poisoning in humans worldwide and can be found in sheep flocks. Find out the main sources, and control measures you can take, to protect your flock.

Two new Mentors added to the Farming Connect Mentor directory

Delyth Fôn Owen and Andrew Rees have recently joined an already bursting directory of Mentors as part of the Farming Connect Mentoring programme. The programme provides farmers and foresters with 15 hours of free guidance from their peers on a wide range of topics. 

Knowledge is power… apply NOW to visit some of the UK’s top-performing rural businesses!

Are you ready to broaden your horizons, and discover what you can learn from some of the UK’s top-performing rural businesses or organisations? Would you be happy to bring that new-found knowledge, technical ability and management expertise back to Wales and share what you’ve learnt with other farmers and foresters?

10 hour Welsh taster course tailored to the Agriculture sector

The National Centre for Learning Welsh and Menter a Busnes have launched a new online Learn Welsh course for the agricultural sector and it’s free.

Access Broadband Cymru grant scheme

You may be eligible for funding towards the installation of a broadband connection for your home or business. Please note, it does not include monthly rental costs.

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.