Farming
Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society make land available for community garden group
GRWP Resilience are enjoying the fruits of their labour this summer thanks to Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society making land available to the group of local Haverfordwest residents for the production of fresh fruit and vegetables as part of a Community Garden.
The Society believes it is the first in the UK to take on such a project.
Just over an acre has been allocated initially on the County Showground in Haverfordwest for the project which has already seen over 40 local residents interested in being part of the group and using the land to grow fruit and vegetables.
Some of those interested have been waiting for over ten years for such an opportunity to arise.
Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society Board Chairman, Mike Davies, said, “We really look forward to working with these hugely enthusiastic local residents on this project. It is great to see young families already learning from very experienced and knowledgeable growers. Here on the showground we have the valuable resource to kick start the process – fertile soil – and we are delighted to assist. Our charitable objectives cover the valuable opportunities which this great project offer.”
The community garden project came about on the showground following a request to local landowners in the Haverfordwest area from a local resident, retired GP Dr Roger Burns, who was interested in starting a scheme in the area. Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society responded positively to the request and GWRP, a Wales-wide organisation which helps stimulate community engagement and collaboration, then got involved to help officiate the agreement.
The growers have formed their own community interest company called Parc Helyg which is now managing the site. Sian Wells, Co-ordinator, said, “Thank you to the Society for providing the land and the farmers who ploughed the ground. We have waited ten years to grow food. We are delighted to now be on the land and already seeing the fruits of our labour.”
Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society are fully supportive of the community garden project and recognise the value of the health and well-being aspect of the work. During the Covid-19 lockdowns there was a big rise in gardening and outdoor activities including in schools. The health and educational benefits of spending time outside, as well as growing your own food, are obvious.
Crime
Farmer cleared of restraining order breach at Haverfordwest court
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
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
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.
-
Crime3 days ago
Man charged with sexual penetration of seven-week-old baby in court
-
News3 days ago
Budget cuts under fire as financial challenges grip Carmarthenshire County Council
-
News5 days ago
A48 crash: Four injured as police arrest man on suspicion of dangerous driving
-
Crime5 days ago
Dyfed-Powys Police tax bill could rise by nine percent
-
News4 days ago
Traffic held on M4 after crash leaves car in central reservation
-
News6 days ago
County councillor warns of dangerous and illegal E-scooter use in Haverfordwest
-
Business3 days ago
Harlech Foodservice steps in after Pembrokeshire Foods owners retire
-
Crime2 days ago
Hakin woman prevented from seeing her mother after assault