SAF Digital Assistance

Our Regional Offices are open to the public strictly by appointment only. If you need additional support, particularly if you are completing the SAF for the first time the Customer Contact Centre can provide telephone support. The Customer Contact Centre can also make a ‘Digital Assistance’ appointment, if necessary, for you to attend a regional office where a member of staff can guide you through the process.

Transfer of BPS Entitlements 2024

The 2024 transfer window of BPS entitlements is open, with Transfer of Entitlements forms available on the RPW Online account.

Cross Compliance 2024 

Most Cross Compliance rules continue to apply as in 2023. We have updated some factsheets, and the Verifiable Standards for 2024.

When the inspector calls

Farm scheme inspections: guide for farmers 2024 edition. Advice to help you follow the law and prepare for cross compliance and Glastir inspections.

BPS 2024 payments

This year, an Advance payment, worth 70% of the estimated BPS 2024 claim value, will be made from 14 October 2024, subject to claim eligibility and receipt of all necessary supporting documents. Balance payments will be made from 12 December 2024.

Rural schemes: new application dates

Dates when we are accepting applications for rural schemes have now been published.

RPW Online - GOV.UK One Login

Rural Payments Wales (RPW) is currently developing a new system for customers to access RPW Online using GOV.UK One Login. After the Single Application Form (SAF) 2024 submission period ends, we will ask RPW Online users to migrate to the GOV.UK One Login system. As all individuals using RPW Online will need their own login information, please ensure in advance all individual details are up to date and correct on your RPW Online account Individual Details tab.

Do you have a temporary County Parish Holding (tCPH)?

tCPH’s are CPH’s that are used for temporary occupation of land that does not belong to you and used for less than 364 days per year. You must consider the length of your agreement when setting up your tCPH. Your tCPH will only be valid for the duration that you record on your application.    

Agricultural Minimum Wage changes in Wales from 1 April 2024

The Agricultural Wages (Wales) Order 2024 replaces the 2023 Order which means that as from 1 April 2024:

• there will be increased minimum pay rates for all grades of worker. 
• all allowances (which include dog allowances) will be increased by 8.5%.
• the overtime rate is now payable at 1.5 times the agricultural worker’s actual hourly rate, rather than the applicable agricultural minimum wage hourly rate.

Written Statement: Bovine TB Technical Advisory Group membership

The Bovine TB Technical Advisory Group (TAG) had its first meeting on Wednesday 17 April 2024.

Bovine Viral Diarrhoea

BVD is a viral disease affecting cattle, which can lead to abortion, infertility, deformed calves, and compromised herd health, particularly among young stock. Herds infected with BVD often experience increased cases of calf pneumonia. Given the potential economic impact, cattle owners are recommended to test their herds for BVD annually. Testing improves herd health and profitability by allowing swift identification of infected animals, disease control and informed and safer cattle trading.

Have you found a dead badger

As part of our Bovine TB Eradication Programme a contract was awarded to collect "badger found dead" carcases for post-mortem purposes. If you come across a dead badger, please note the location of the carcase and call 0808 169 5110.

17 new courses added to Farming Connect’s training programme

Farmers looking to upskill and grow their business now have 17 new offerings available through Farming Connect's training programme.

Upland dairy farm trialling herbal ley mixes established with direct drilling

A Welsh upland dairy farming business is aiming to accelerate its move away from a reliance on nitrogen fertiliser for growing grass by growing herbal ley mixes.

Find us on Facebook!

Keep up-to-date on farming, fishing, food and drink and animal health and welfare in Wales by following our bilingual Facebook channel: Cymru Wledig! We’re also on X – search for @WGRural and give us a follow!

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
• keep up to speed with future funding information

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.