The Farmers’ Union of Wales has welcomed the announcement made on 29 April by Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, that two funding schemes to support on-farm investment will shortly be opening with an allocated budget of £20 million.
Despite concerns the FUW raised previously in terms of this promised funding as a proportion of the estimated overall costs to the industry of over £360 million, this long awaited support will be welcomed by many in light of the recent wet weather.
The announcement follows a recent Extreme Weather Summit during which the FUW made a call for urgent capital grant funding in light of the challenges farmers are facing whilst attempting to increase their slurry storage capacities.
The maximum grant value offered through both the Nutrient Management Investment Scheme and the Small Grants - Yard Coverings Scheme will increase to 50%. The Cabinet Secretary encourages applicants to consider preparing their planning applications and associated documents as soon as possible.
The FUW also called for derogations and flexibility around certain scheme requirements. It is therefore encouraging that Rural Payments Wales will consider potential derogations on a case by case basis for those who are finding difficulties in meeting certain contract requirements as a result of the prolonged wet weather.
This statement shows an example of co-working where the FUW’s concerns result in prompt action from the Welsh Government. The FUW sincerely hope that this positive engagement continues in the context of other fundamental policy developments.