Integrated Natural Resources Scheme (INRS) – Development Grant

The Integrated Natural Resources Scheme is a collaborative scheme enabling farmers, foresters, land managers and others to work together at a landscape, catchment, or Pan Wales level. INRS is a transitional scheme designed to help participants develop new ways of working on their journey to the Sustainable Farming Scheme. The INRS application window is now open and closes at midnight 27 September 2024. Any applications made after this deadline will not be accepted.

Farming Connect September Farm Walks

Join Farming Connect for a unique series of farm walks across the Our Farms Network this September. These walks offer a chance to see the latest innovations in action and delve into the results of on-farm trials firsthand.

Farming Connect advice workshop a first step in farm’s flock transition

Farming Connect’s Welsh Sheep Genetics Project (WSGP) is helping to facilitate major change in a large-scale sheep flock. The Rhug Estate near Corwen had been running a flying flock of 3,750 North of England-type mules but is now transitioning to a closed flock of Welsh ewes.

Rural Development Schemes Key Dates

Application dates for all agricultural support schemes. Details of all guidance documents for the Agricultural Support Schemes can be found under rural grants and payments shortly before the application window becomes available.

Important Changes for Sheep and Goat Keepers

The Sheep and Goat Annual Inventory is a legal requirement to record the total number of sheep and/or goats you own. From December 2024 the way in which the inventory is run in Wales will be changing. To bring the annual inventory in line with all other UK nations, the date of the inventory in Wales will now be 1 December. The usual hard-copy annual inventory will no longer be issued, and the way to submit your inventory will be via your EIDCymru online account.

Sheep and goat annual inventory form: frequently asked questions

APHA: Poultry and Other Captive Birds Compulsory Registration

From 1 October 2024 it will become a legal requirement for bird keepers in Wales and England to register for a County Parish Holding (CPH) number and register as a bird/poultry keeper on the GB Poultry Register. This is with the exception of birds that are kept as pets and live solely indoors without any outside access. Last month we advised bird keepers that do not hold a CPH number to complete the registration process by contacting RPW. Since then, there has been a change in process and all bird keepers are to register with APHA.

Welsh Government Agriculture Summer Update 2024

Rural Affairs Secretary chairs first SFS Roundtable

The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies chaired the inaugural meeting of the Sustainable Farming Scheme Roundtable.

Cabinet Secretary ‘out in the field’ to learn about sustainable land management

Climate Change and Rural Affairs Secretary Huw Irranca-Davies has been ‘out in the field’ learning about a world-leading Welsh Government programme responsible for evidence which support policies relating to sustainable food production, mitigating climate change and halt the decline in biodiversity.

Farming industry feedback shapes new changes to TB testing

Huw Irranca-Davies, the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, has made further changes to TB testing in Wales after meeting with and listening to farmers across Wales.

Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD)

Starting 1 July, 2024, the new industry-led Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) legislation developed in partnership with Welsh Government will require all cattle keepers to:

• screen their herds for BVD annually,
• isolate all Persistently Infected (PI) animals from the rest of the herd for their entire lifespan.

Keepers have until 1 July, 2025, to complete their first annual herd test, otherwise, herds that have not completed their screening test will be placed under movement restrictions pending a negative result.

The Future of Farming in Wales: Written Statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs

The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs recently issued a statement on his upcoming priorities for agriculture. This includes a different timetable for implementing the Sustainable Farming Scheme based on feedback from the consultation and meeting farmers since coming into post.

On-farm infrastructure investment support 2024 – Nutrient Management Investment Scheme and Small Grants – Yard Coverings Scheme

£20m has been committed to contribute to improvements in water and air quality and support farmers to reach compliance with The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021. The Nutrient Management Investment Scheme EOI window has opened on 15 July 2024.

Mandatory use of CCTV in all slaughterhouses approved

New Regulations have been approved by the Senedd for the mandatory use of CCTV in all slaughterhouses in Wales.

Written Statement: Bovine TB Technical Advisory Group Review of Existing On-Farm Slaughter of TB Reactors Policy

The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies has accepted the Group’s recommendations in full.

Poultry and Other Captive Birds Compulsory Registration

From the 1 October 2024 it will become a legal requirement for bird keepers in Wales and England to register for a County Parish Holding (CPH) number and register as a bird/poultry keeper on the GB Poultry Register. This is with the exception of birds that are kept as pets and live solely indoors without any outside access.

Bluetongue virus risk set out for the year ahead

Following the bluetongue outbreak in England last year, the latest risk assessment of bluetongue virus entering Great Britain during 2024 has been published by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). In this updated qualitative risk assessment, APHA confirm there is a very high probability of a new introduction of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) into livestock in Great Britain through infected biting midges being blown over from northern Europe.  

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.

Agricultural Minimum Wage Changes 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.

SAF Digital Assistance

The 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.

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.

Enhanced Nutrient Management Document

Helping farmers and land managers meet the needs of the Enhanced Nutrient Management approach.

Annual Inventory for sheep and goat keepers

All keepers of sheep and goats are required to complete an inventory once a year.

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.  

Woodland Schemes – application windows

In 2024, there is a new approach to the Woodland Creation Grant. There will only be one window open from 4 March 2024 until 22 November 2024, or until the budget has been allocated. The Small Grant – Woodland Creation scheme will continue to have several windows throughout the year:

• three in 2024, and one planned in 2025 if budget is agreed for 2025/26 financial year

Changes to felling licences under the Forestry Act

Natural Resources Wales will be holding guidance sessions on the changes to felling licences under the Forestry Act which will come into effect from 1 April.

Find out more here

Vets and farmers working together on animal health pilot scheme

A pilot project has been launched to assess how closer working between farmers and vets can improve animal health and farm productivity. It will test the Animal Health Improvement Cycle (AHIC). This is a key proposed element of the Sustainable Farming Scheme.

Parallel trade permits and treated seed

The Plant Protection Products (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2023, which applies across Great Britain, comes into force on the 31 December. It temporarily extends or temporarily reinstates transitional provisions put in place through EU Exit legislation in relation to pesticide seed treatments and parallel trade products.

Plant Health: contact form

Please complete the contact form if you would like to be added to the plant health mailing list. Send completed forms to plant.health@gov.wales. You will receive updates and information about future consultations, workshops and events.

Coetiroedd Bach: Tiny Forests in Wales

Are you a farmer interested in community tree planting to help mitigate the impacts of climate change? The Coetiroedd Bach scheme is supporting some farms with grants between £10k and £40k. They will create densely packed, small areas of fast-growing native woodland accessible to all. The scheme is being delivered in conjunction with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The next round will open in February 2024.

Farm Liaison Service

The Welsh Government Farm Liaison Service provides advice about policies and grants, including:

• Basic Payment Scheme (BPS)
• Rural Payments Wales (RPW) Online
• cross compliance
• animal health and welfare
• record-keeping
• Glastir
• Rural Development Programme
• scheme rules

Innovative ideas to tackle ammonia emission in Wales

The Welsh Government is making £1 million available to support new projects which can help reduce ammonia emissions.

Bovine TB long term trends show progress, with targeted action in key areas

Bovine TB cases in Wales continue to decline overall, with a targeted approach taken in hot-spot areas and specific projects taking place in Pembrokeshire and Anglesey.

Home-mix ration offers cheaper alternative to concentrates at Welsh livestock farm

A home mix ration formulated with high quality ingredients and incorporating homegrown forage has provided a cheaper alternative to bought-in concentrates for pregnant ewes and beef cattle on a Powys upland farm.

Rural Schemes: new application dates added

Caring for farm animals and horses in extreme winter weather

Extreme winter weather can pose a major threat to livestock. If you keep livestock y

Cross Compliance 2024

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

SMR 1 – Water Protection, has been updated to reflect requirements applying to all land from 1 August 2024 under the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021. These changes include requirements to comply with closed periods for spreading organic manures with high readily available nitrogen (includes slurry and poultry manure) and ensure sufficient storage capacity for manure during the storage period. All claimants should have received notification of the changes via their RPW Online account.

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.

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.

Spring update from Welsh Government

Key dates in 2024, grants and further information

https://farmwell.wales/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/agriculture-spring-update-2024.pdf

Forestry and Timber Knowledge Transfer and networking event

Join Forest Research, NRW, Confor, Woodknowledge Wales and Welsh Government on 13 June 2024, from 9:30 to 16:15 at Neuadd Reichel, Bangor University, LL57 2TR (and online).

Transition milk trial targets calf health at Pembrokeshire dairy farm

A Pembrokeshire spring-calving dairy farm is introducing a new feeding system for newborn calves in what is to be thought the first trial of its kind in a large-scale herd.

Farming Connect Animal Health and Welfare Workshops help family farm shape a business ‘fit for the future’

An eagerness to learn new skills and knowledge is helping mother and son Dianna and Iestyn Spary to continually improve their livestock farming enterprise and build a financially sustainable business fit for the future.

Single Application Form (SAF) 2024

Single Application Form (SAF) 2024 will be available from 4 March 2024. The deadline for submitting your SAF is midnight 15 May 2024, or by 10 June 2024 with late penalties. A SAF cannot be submitted or accepted after 10 June 2024.

Transfer of BPS 2024 Entitlements

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

Organic Support

On 17 January 2024, the Minister announced support payments to fully-certified organic farmers in 2024. Full guidance will be published within the Single Application Form (SAF) 2024 rules booklet.

Cross Compliance 2024 

The vast majority of Cross Compliance rules continue to apply as in 2023. However, some factsheets have been updated for 2024. They reflect changes in requirements, good practice and to clarify wording. There have also been some changes to the Cross Compliance 2024 Verifiable Standards for:

• classifying breaches of Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAEC) and
• Statutory Management Requirements (SMR)

These changes include SMR 1 – Water Protection, updated to reflect requirements applying to all land from 1 January 2024 under the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021.

Confidence to change management through grass measuring reduces input costs by £20,000 for Welsh Dairy farmer

Grass measuring and budgeting has given a Welsh dairy farmer the confidence to change his fertiliser policy, reducing input costs by £20,000 a year.

Livestock farmer trials peas and beans as soya alternative in ewe rations

Protein-rich peas and beans are replacing concentrates in the winter ration of sheep and cattle at a Radnorshire farm.

Winter Update 2023

The Winter Update has now been published online. It contains information, important dates and rule changes from a variety of key areas relating to rural affairs.

‘Working in Wales’ – land-based workers in the spotlight at Farming Connect conference

Facilitate and promote the importance of continuing professional development (CPD) now in order to modernise and professionalise our land-based industries and prepare them for the economic and environmental demands of the future!’

Measures from 1 February to help eradicate bovine TB

The introduction of measures from 1 February, including Pre-Movement Testing, will be vital in helping to tackle bovine TB in Wales, Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths has said.

Introduction of Pre-Movement Testing into the Low TB Area (LTBA) and of Post-Movement Testing into the Intermediate TB Areas (ITBAs) of Wales

Following consultation on a refreshed approach to TB Eradication in Wales and the subsequent delivery plan, published in March 2023, changes are being made to the Tuberculosis (Wales) Order. They will allow for a number of measures to be introduced which were supported in the consultation. More information will be available on GOV.WALES in the new year.

NFU Cymru: The Welsh Farm Safety Partnership are using the next quarter to highlight the risks associated with using machinery on farm. Find out more here.

Working at height: What you need to consider from NFU Cymru

Image captured by Ruth Rees Photography

Sustainable Farming Scheme – consultation open until 7 March 2024

There will be a series of engagement events around Wales regarding the new scheme in January and February. These events will run from 14:00 to 20:00. They will comprise a mix of formal presentations and information stands where you can discuss the consultation and how the proposed scheme actions may be carried out on your farm. The presentation and question and answer sessions will be running in a separate room, which are planned to be repeated at approximately 15:00, 17:00 and 19:00.  See link below for further information and how to register to attend the events.

The details of the events are listed below:

• 17 January 2024: Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon LL55 1AY
• 18 January 2024: Pavilion, Llangollen, LL20 8SW
• 22 January 2024: Llandovery Rugby Club, SA20 0BA
• 24 January 2024: Livestock Market, Welshpool, SY21 8SR
• 30 January 2024: The Cliff Hotel, Gwbert, Cardigan, SA43 1PP
• 31 January 2024: The Plas, Narberth, SA67 7AB
• 5 February 2024: Llanarth Village Hall, Raglan, NP15 2AU
• 6 February 2024: Best Western Heronston Hotel, Bridgend, CF35 5AW
• 9 February 2024: International Pavilion, Builth Wells, LD2 3SY
• 14 February 2024: Y Plas, Machynlleth, SY20 8ER

You may register for any of these events here

BPS Payments 2023

Subject to completion of the full validation, BPS 2023 balance payments, or full payments for those who have not received an advance payment, have commenced since 15 December 2023

The consultation on the Sustainable Farming Scheme enters its final week the Minister for Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths is urging people to take part in the consultation and make sure their views are heard. You can access the consultation here

Latest press release: Keeping Farmers Farming. Make sure we know your views – we are listening

Careers education, skills, training and development for agricultural, horticultural and forestry workers: call for evidence

The  Agricultural Advisory Panel for Wales sub-committee invites evidence and expertise from a wide range of stakeholders. This will inform the creation of a strategic vision for the agricultural, horticulture and forestry sectors.

How to care for pets and horses during fireworks season

Guidance to help owners keep their pets and horses safe during firework season.

Glastir 2023 Payments

This year, in order to maximise EU spend by 31 December, payments of the Glastir Advanced, Commons and Organic claims will start from 1 December 2023. This is subject to claim eligibility and receipt of all necessary supporting documents.

Open Consultation: Code of practice on the control of ragwort

Views wanted on the proposed changes to the code of practice to prevent and control the spread of ragwort.

Parallel trade permits and treated seed

New legislation has been introduced to temporarily extend or temporarily reinstate transitional provisions put in place through EU Exit legislation. This is in relation to seed treatments and parallel trade products. This will ensure continued access to important plant protection products imported from the EU, for the control of:

• pests
• weeds
• diseases

Farming Connect: Free workshops to guide farmers on herd and flock improvements to reduce emissions

Wales’s ambitious goal of reaching net zero by 2050 is going to require some changes to agricultural practices, including improving herd and flock health, performance and productivity.

Habitat Wales Scheme closes on 10 November 2023

From Friday 29 September, applications can be made for the Habitat Wales Scheme. The scheme will provide an alternative offer of support for eligible farmers, including Glastir Advanced, Commons and Organic farmers when their contracts end on 31 December 2023. The aims of the Habitat Wales scheme are to:

• protect habitat land previously under management in 2023 up to the full introduction of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) in 2025
• introduce additional habitat land, not currently under paid management, into sustainable land management before start of SFS
• maintain environmental support for common land

Consultation

The Minister has published the two co-design reports which include views from farmers and other stakeholders, along with the Welsh Government’s response.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Disease Map

If you suspect bird flu in poultry or other captive birds, you must report it immediately by calling the Animal Plant and Health Agency on 03003 038 268. Keepers check if you are in a disease control or prevention zone on the avian influenza disease map (from the Animal and Plant Health Agency).

Wales leads way on snares and glue traps total ban

The first total ban on the use of snares and glue traps in the UK will come into force this autumn in Wales, Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths has confirmed.

BPS 2023 payments 

An Advance payment, worth 70% of the estimated BPS 2023 claim value, will be made from 12 October 2023. This is subject to claim eligibility and receipt of all necessary supporting documents. Balance payments will be made from 15 December 2023.

Farmers see value in peer-to-peer learning to improve cow foot health

Dairy farmers rate peer-to-peer learning as one of the most valuable routes to tackling lameness in their herds, an important new study in Wales involving more than 5,400 cows has found.

Agrisgôp helps sheep farmers on quest to advance flock genetics

New genetics to help progress the advancement of wool shedding sheep in Wales have been introduced into three Welsh flocks.

Farming Connect adds new sheep feeding module to training programme

Sheep farmers in Wales can learn about nutritional strategies for their flocks throughout the production year at a new Lantra Accredited workshop added to the Farming Connect animal health and welfare training programme.

Farming Connect bolsters farmer training portfolio with 21 new courses

New opportunities are available to farmers in Wales who want to improve their technical skills and business knowledge with 21 new courses now added to Farming Connect’s training programme.

Consultation: Changes to the Forestry (Felling of trees) Regulations 1979

Changes to the Forestry (Felling of Trees) Regulations 1979 due to amendments to the Forestry Act 1967.

The Pembrokeshire Bovine TB Project has been launched

The contract to deliver a new project to tackle residual bovine TB has been awarded and work has now commenced. This project empowers vets and farmers to make informed decisions and show leadership in disease control.

Farming Connect’s new mandatory e-learning courses will give you a great head-start before practical training

From September 2023, all Farming Connect learners will be required to complete fully funded mandatory e-learning courses ahead of applying for more than half of the programme’s subsidised accredited training courses.

Has your pesticide equipment been tested recently?

There is a legal requirement for the regular inspection of pesticide application equipment. All application equipment (except knapsack and handheld sprayers) must be tested.

Small Grants – Environment (Water)

Small Grants – Environment (Water) opens for expressions of interest on 21 August 2023 and close on 29 September 2023. The scheme offers supports for capital works, which can deliver broad and general environmental benefits.

Glastir 2023 payments

This year, in order to maximise EU spend by 31 December, payments of the Glastir Advanced, Commons and Organic claims will start from 1 December 2023. This is subject to claim eligibility and receipt of all necessary supporting documents.

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