News
Disappointment with resilience review report
FARMERS in Wales will be disappointed by the review into the Resilience of Welsh Farming report launched last week and the minister’s accompanying statement accepting the recommendations.
NFU Cymru believes that both fail to address the cash flow issues currently facing the industry.
Ed Bailey, who stood down as NFU Cymru President last week, speaking at a meeting of Welsh Council said:
“Last week’s farm income figures showed the very real threats facing farmers in Wales now. This review and Alun Davies’ ministerial statement are filled with recommended changes that may well benefit farmers and Welsh agriculture in the medium to long term, but the concern is how can farm incomes be maintained in the short term to allow farmers and their families to then capitalise on the opportunities that may come further down the line from the implementation of the recommendations within the review.
“We are disappointed that this review has not recognised the need to re-introduce a dedicated Less Favoured Area / Area of Natural Constraint (LFA / ANC) scheme as allowed under the EU Rural Development regulations and already exist in the vast majority of countries the length and breadth of Europe.
“Whilst the review proposes the use of a number of potential tools under the next Rural Development Plan (RDP) this review, and the Minister’s response so far, fails to consider the most important tool available to help support and build resilience in upland communities the length and breadth of Wales.
Mr Bailey continued: “The minister, when he made the decision to take 15% of resource out of Pillar 1 and into Pillar 2, stated that under the next RDP there would be targeted support for upland farmers, this to us clearly means a dedicated LFA /ANC scheme delivered under Pillar 2 of the CAP. We have yet to see this from the Minister and feel that this, in our opinion, must be satisfactorily addressed when the Minister launches his consultation on the Wales RDP next month.
“Whilst NFU Cymru is disappointed at the failure so far to address the issue of dedicated upland support, the Union recognises that many of the recommendations have the potential to benefit Welsh agriculture. Recommendations with regards to the Glastir agri environment scheme, for example, mirror many of the changes the Union has long argued for.
Mr Bailey continued: “There are many things in this report which we feel we can welcome, for example the adoption of the proposed contingency management plan. We know full well that the extreme weather in March last year took many by surprise – including farmers, local authorities and the Welsh Government. It is only right that plans are formed to ensure everyone is better placed to deal with such an event in future.
“We can see merit in the development of a sustainable agriculture programme, the objective of which is to improve the financial viability of farm businesses, bringing together Young Entrants Support Scheme, Farming Connect and the Glastir efficiency grant into a single business model. NFU Cymru understands that the programme will look to prioritise the uplands and young/new entrants, but as always the devil will very much be in the detail.
“The report also identifies the upland beef and sheep sector as priority sectors for non-farm diversification and start-up support, whilst at the same time it acknowledges that opportunities for diversification are limited.
“There are numerous excellent examples of farm businesses having successfully diversified and in the process secured valuable additional income streams but the key priority must continue to be on ensuring upland beef and sheep enterprises can be profitable and viable in their own right.”
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
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