Natural Resources Wales (NRW), in collaboration with the Welsh Government, has launched an initiative called ‘Nature and Us’ which aims to create a platform for the people of Wales to develop a shared vision for our natural environment.

 Up until the end of May, anyone in Wales can get involved and have their say at www.natureandus.wales.

 This includes completing a Nature and Us survey or taking part in one of the online events or focus groups. NRW hopes that this will help understand how people feel about nature and make them think about the changes we can adopt to protect nature and the environment.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has welcomed aspects of the Welsh Governments’ consultation on planning legislation and policy for second homes and short term holiday lets, but warns that these must be enforceable.

The consultation proposed amendments to the Town and Country Planning Order 1987 to include three separate use classes for primary homes, secondary homes and short-term holiday lets, along with subsequent changes to the Town and Country Planning Order 1995 and primary legislation on how and when planning permission should be required.

The FUW expressed support for three recommendations relating to planning policy from the ‘Second Homes: Developing new policies in Wales’ report last year. Therefore, the fact that these proposals are being considered is welcomed.

Plans which could potentially penalise cattle keepers who ‘fail to take notice’ of TB information when purchasing stock have been strongly opposed by the FUW in its response to the latest Welsh Government Refreshed TB Eradication Programme consultation.

Risk Based Trading proposals contained within the consultation could mean that there are ‘implications’ for cattle keepers that make cattle purchases regardless of ‘highlighted risks’ in the TB information provided at point of sale.

Although the consultation contains proposals for mandatory TB information at point of sale, it remains unclear what criteria would be used to determine the relative risk of stock. The FUW urges caution on this issue as poorly developed Risk Based Trading proposals can make it extremely difficult for purchasers to make informed judgements when buying stock.

The UK food industry continues to face disruption due to Brexit related barriers for exports and supply chain issues partly inflicted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Progress continues to be slow in terms of establishing new Border Control Posts (BCPs) in Anglesey and Pembrokeshire. While a site for the Anglesey BCP was agreed in March 2021, construction and arrangements are slow with regard to preparing the site ready to operate, while negotiations regarding a site in Pembrokeshire are ongoing.

Notwithstanding the ongoing discussions on how to address the issues of the Northern Ireland Protol, the Irish Government have revealed that cross-border trade between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland increased by €2.8 billion in 2021, with imports to the Republic from Northern Ireland up 65%, to €3.9 billion, and exports from the Republic to Northern Ireland up 54% to €3.7 billion.