The Farmers' Union of Wales welcomes the announcement of a delay on the decision to introduce licencing for the release of gamebirds in Wales

The consultation by Natural Resource Wales proposed to add common pheasant and red-legged partridge to Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which would have resulted in licencing being in place for the 2024/2025 shooting season.

Rugby based haulier firm Lloyd Fraser has reportedly fallen into administration and has had their operating licence revoked.

Described as one of the UK’s biggest bulk liquid milk haulier with operations at Denbeigh, Llanymynech and Pontypool, the collapse of the business will affect areas along north and east Wales and across the border in England. 

Reports of failed milk collections came to light on the 22nd of September with milk suppliers to Arla, Muller, Meadow and others being affected. 

5th Delay on Import border checks announced

The UK government has announced that the implementation of post Brexit border checks on food and fresh products have been delayed for a 5th time.

While thorough checks have been in place for UK food exports to the EU since 1st January 2021, equivalent checks on food products imported from the EU were due to be introduced from 1st April 2021.

On 21st July 2023, an interim agri-environment scheme was announced to maintain and increase the area of habitat land under management across Wales.

The new scheme, Habitat Wales, will provide an alternative offer of support to all eligible farmers, including Glastir Advanced, Commons and Organic farmers when their contracts end on 31st December 2023.

The aims of the Habitat Wales scheme are to: