Farming

Farmers’ protest grinds traffic to a halt on busy A48

Published

11 months ago

February 17, 2024

DEMONSTRATING strength and unity, farmers across west Wales have taken to the A48 in Carmarthenshire, staging a protest that dramatically slowed traffic to a crawl.

The demonstration, which occurred yesterday, saw a parade of tractors along the busy dual carriageway, signalling deep-seated frustrations with the Welsh Government’s policy plans.

This latest action follows a substantial gathering in Carmarthen last week, where approximately 3,000 farmers voiced their opposition to several policies under consideration by the Welsh Government. Cefin Campbell, the Plaid Cymru MS for Mid & West Wales, captured the sentiment of the crowd, stating, “Enough is enough,” highlighting the palpable frustration towards not only the Welsh Government but also Westminster on various issues impacting rural communities.

At the heart of the farmers’ grievances is the proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), which seeks to mandate that 10 percent of farmland be afforested as a condition for funding eligibility. This scheme is poised to replace the legacy Common Agricultural Policy schemes, including the Basic Payment Scheme, from 2025.

Video: BBC – sound ON

Critics, including Montgomeryshire MS Russell George, have raised alarms over the scheme’s potential impacts, notably a projected 10.8% reduction in Welsh livestock units, equating to a decrease of 122,200 across the sector. Additionally, an 11% reduction in labour on Welsh farms is anticipated, potentially resulting in the loss of approximately 5,500 jobs, based on current employment levels. George also highlighted the increasing regulatory pressures on the farming industry, arguing that such measures often fail to recognise the sector’s longstanding stewardship of the countryside.

The farmers’ rally cry, “no farmers, no food,” underscores the essential role agriculture plays in the Welsh culture, economy, and preservation of the language. The sector’s plea for support comes at a critical juncture, as it faces unprecedented challenges.

Video: BBC – no sound

In response, the Welsh Government has emphasised its commitment to working in partnership with the farming sector. Officials have assured that no final decisions regarding the SFS will be made until the ongoing consultation concludes on 7 March, signalling an opportunity for stakeholders to influence the final policy direction.

As the consultation period draws to a close, the farming community remains hopeful for a constructive dialogue that recognises their concerns and contributions to Welsh society. The resolve demonstrated by the farmers’ protest on the A48 serves as a potent reminder of the sector’s significance and the urgent need for policies that support, rather than undermine, the foundations of rural Wales.

Crime

Farmer cleared of restraining order breach at Haverfordwest court

Published

1 day 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 day 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 day 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.