Farming

Accessible Agri-Environment Scheme ‘a necessity’

Published

9 years ago

July 1, 2016

WG must commit: Call from NFU

THE NEED for an accessible agri-environment scheme which offers every farmer in Wales the opportunity to participate if they so wish was called for by members of NFU Cymru’s Less Favoured Area (LFA) Board at its recent meeting.

The Board expressed concern that farmers with Glastir Entry contracts finishing at the end of 2016 would have no opportunity to extend their contract or apply for a new Glastir Entry contract since, to date, Welsh Government has made no commitment to open an application window in 2016 for 2017 entry to the Scheme. It was noted that there had been no application window for Glastir Entry Scheme during 2015 either.

NFU Cymru LFA Board Chairman John Owen said, “Farmers across all sectors are experiencing challenging market conditions at present. We are asking Welsh Government to make clear its commitment to an agrienvironment scheme that is accessible to every farmer in Wales to participate in if they so wish. This will assist farm businesses in considering the full range of options available to them and allow for focussed business planning.”

LFA Board members also learned of the benefits of working together, collaboration and co-operation from Gethin Havard, South Wales Board Member for the British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB), at the meeting.

Mr Havard highlighted that the British Wool Marketing Board is unique in being the last remaining agricultural commodity board in the UK and is best placed to represent the interests of 45,000 wool producers. This collective strength ensures wool producers maximise the value of their wool and competes in the global market.

Members learned that the Board is involved in the UK wool supply chain from start to finish, investing and committing in the future of the industry. This includes the shearing training programme; grading each individual fleece to add value and marketing initiatives through the Campaign for Wool.

Commenting Mr Havard told members, “Every producer marketing their wool through the British Wool Marketing Board contributes towards this vital work in supporting the industry and the next generation of wool producers.”

Mr Havard reported that whilst demand for wool remained strong, farmers could expect prices to be lower in 2016 however. This was due to currency issues and the Chinese economy.

John Owen concluded, “We are grateful to Mr Havard for providing us with an update on the work of the BWMB and the market outlook for wool. Looking to the future, we stress the need for innovation in marketing and product development for wool. The BWMB has a key role in this work.”

Crime

Farmer cleared of restraining order breach at Haverfordwest court

Published

1 week ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been found not guilty of breaching a restraining order after being accused of referencing a protected individual in a Facebook post.

Philip Stoddart, 58, of Monkhill Farm, St Ishmaels, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Jan 20) to face the charge. The prosecution, led by Ann Griffiths on behalf of the crown, alleged that between December 4 and December 13, 2023, Stoddart made a Facebook post that, by inference, referred to a person he was prohibited from contacting under a restraining order imposed by Swansea Crown Court on April 16, 2021.

The restraining order, issued under Section 360 of the Sentencing Act 2020, barred Stoddart from making any form of contact with her.

Prosecutors argued that the Facebook post constituted a breach of the order, contrary to Section 363 of the same act.

Stoddart denied the allegations and entered a not guilty plea during a prior hearing on October 1, 2024.

Magistrates Professor N. Negus, Mr. J. Steadman, and Mrs. J. Morris presided over the trial, which concluded on Monday.

After reviewing the evidence, the bench found Stoddart not guilty, dismissing the case.

The dismissal brings to a close legal proceedings that had been ongoing for over a year.

Farming

Get up to £5,000 for on-farm trials in Wales

Published

1 week ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

FARMERS in Wales are being called to apply for the next round of funding for on-farm trials.

The Farming Connect initiative, which has funded projects such as growing lucerne in Brecon, is inviting applications for the Try Out Fund.

The new application window opens on January 27, 2025, and will run until February 17.

Successful applicants will be awarded up to £5,000 to help fund trials that experiment with new ideas on their farms.

The last round of funding supported several projects, including integrated pest management at a pick-your-own strawberry enterprise.

Menna Williams, the Farming Connect project lead, said: “Farming Connect has developed the Try Out Fund to address specific local problems or opportunities with the aim of improving efficiencies and profitability within agricultural businesses whilst protecting the environment.”

She added: “There are many changes on the horizon for agriculture, and now is a great time for farm businesses to explore an idea that could benefit them, allowing farms to tackle ‘real’ problems or check if a research idea works in practice.”

The fund is open to individuals or groups of up to four farmers and/or growers in Wales who have identified a local or specific problem or opportunity.

Ms Williams said: “Because these ideas are initiated by farmers themselves, they are really passionate about them, giving them 100 per cent effort right from the start.”

Projects should focus on enhancing production efficiencies and profitability while ensuring environmental protection through adherence to sustainable land management principles.

A guidance handbook is accessible on the Farming Connect website, providing support for farmers in outlining their projects and completing the application process.

To apply, individuals must be registered with Farming Connect and capable of finishing their projects by January 2026.

Ms Williams explained: “Funding can be used for technical assistance, sampling, testing and other reasonable expenses such as those relating to short-term hire of specialist equipment or facilities directly relating to the project.”

The findings will be shared with other producers in Wales by collaborating with a Farming Connect team member.

Interested parties can apply on the Farming Connect website.

To receive the link or get further information, contact [email protected].

Farming

Funding window to re-open for on-farm trials in Wales

Published

1 week ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

WITH Farming Connect-funded trials ranging from growing lucerne in Brecon to establishing sunflowers as a companion crop with maize, farmers are being invited to apply for the next round of funding from the initiative that brought these projects to life.

The new application window for the Try Out Fund opens on 27January2025 and will run until 17 February. Successful applicants will be awarded up to £5,000 to help fund on-farm trials that experiment with new ideas. The last round of funding saw farmers supported for several projects including integrated pest management at pick your own strawberry enterprise.

Project lead Menna Williams of Farming Connect said the aim is for farmers to compare different treatments or management systems – the project is not intended to fund new equipment she stressed.

“Farming Connect has developed the Try-Out Fund to address specific local problems or opportunities with the aim of improving efficiencies and profitability within agricultural businesses whilst protecting the environment,’’ she said. “There are many changes on the horizon for agriculture, and now is a great time for farm businesses to explore an idea that could benefit them, allowing farms to tackle ‘real’ problems or check if a research idea works in practice.’’

The fund is open to individuals or groups of up to four farmers and/or growers in Wales who have identified a local or specific problem or opportunity.

“Because these ideas are initiated by farmers themselves, they are really passionate about them, giving them 100% effort right from the start,’’ said Ms Williams.

Suitable projects must aim to improve production efficiencies and profitability whilst protecting the environment by aligning with sustainable land management outcomes. A guidance handbook is available on the Farming Connect website to help farmers scope their project and complete the application form.

Applicants must be registered with Farming Connect and be able to complete their projects by January 2026.