i) European Commission delayed announcement of new EU food policy

The European Commission has postponed announcing its new EU ‘Farm to Fork’ and biodiversity policies until the end of April. The policies aim to create “sustainable food along the whole supply chain” and an environmentally friendly food system.

ii) ‘Make it with Beef’ campaign aims to address carcase balance issues
A £1.2 million national consumer campaign encouraging consumers to “Make It” with beef is being launched by AHDB, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC).

Running for 12 weeks with TV, video on demand, radio and social media, it aims to inspire consumers to create restaurant-style meals in the comfort of their own home, using a variety of hindquarter cuts. It aims to reach 85 per cent of UK households.

iii) Scottish beef farmers to receive an additional 40 million pounds
In September 2019, it was confirmed that around 7,000 Scottish farmers would benefit from a total of 160 million pounds in convergence payments through CAP. Around 450 of these payments were processed at the start of April.

iv) Research Shows Importance of Fermentation for Fluke
A BBSRC and AHDB funded study conducted by the University of Liverpool has shown that liver fluke can survive in silage if it is not properly fermented. The results of the study suggest that acidity and a lack of oxygen will aid in minimising liver fluke cyst viability in silage.

The FUW has expressed major concerns regarding a lack of direct support for agricultural businesses affected by the covid-19 pandemic.

On 1 April a one month extension was granted for submitting the 2020 Single Application Form and a further 5.5 million pounds of funding to reopen the BPS and Glastir 2019 support schemes for anyone who had not previously benefited from them - which closed for applications on 17 April.

As of 6 April, around 98% of eligible BPS claimants had received either their full 2019 BPS claim or a BPS support scheme payment and around 55% of eligible Rural Development area based payments (primarily Glastir) had been processed. The FUW has been raising concerns on a weekly basis in teleconferences with Welsh Government regarding the need to make outstanding payments and balance payments (both for BPS and Glastir) and to process outstanding inspection reports in order to allow this to happen and to ensure data for the 2020 SAF can be entered correctly by members and staff.

Furthermore, a letter was sent to Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, on 23 April highlighting how important farm businesses are to all other rural businesses and how the latest figures suggest that around 1,800 Welsh farmers are still waiting for their full BPS or Glastir payments.

The FUW continues to press for a bespoke support package and this is especially pertinent given that agricultural businesses cannot access funds through the Economic Resilience Scheme. The Covid-19 Wales Business Loan Scheme offered by the Development Bank of Wales, and offered as an element of the Business Wales support scheme, is now fully subscribed.

Farming businesses can apply for the UK wide Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) however some fishery, aquaculture and agricultural businesses may not qualify for the Government paid 12 months interest and loan fees, and farmers should consider the longer term implications of taking out an additional loan. The UK Government has more recently announced a ‘Bounce Back’ Loan Scheme aimed at smaller businesses. Members wishing to apply for either of the above loan schemes should contact their accountant for assistance.

Several agricultural industry registers have been set up during the covid pandemic in order to address the shortfall of farm labour resources.

Lantra Skills Matching Service
Welsh Government - through Lantra - has set up a skills matching service for agricultural businesses across Wales to find individuals with the required skills in order to fulfil labour shortages during this difficult time.

The register with the relevant forms for businesses and potential employees can be found here: https://www.wales.lantra.co.uk/skills-matching-service-0. If any businesses lack adequate internet access, the Farming Connect Service Centre (08456 000 813) can fill the form out over the phone on their behalf.

Menter Môn and Conwy Cynhaliol
The Menter Môn programme in Anglesey and Gwynedd has a dedicated helpline for those needing on-farm practical support during covid-19. Members wishing to access this service should ring 07739 948883 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The programme will contact a volunteer that has registered on their database. The volunteer will then contact the farmer for further information on what is required. As part of the programme, it is asked that only the most basic and important work to be completed by the volunteer is put forward.

This service is also available in Conwy through ‘Conwy Cynhaliol’. Those wishing to access this service should call Rhys Evans on 01492 576671 / 07733 013328 or via email on: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

It is a legal requirement that you have valid Employers Liability and Public Liability insurances.

NAAC shearing register
The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) along with the support of industry Stakeholders, including the FUW, have also set up a shearing register. As it seems likely that overseas shearers will not be able to travel to the UK for the 2020 season, it will be vital to ensure that sheep are shawn in order to prevent animal welfare issues down the line.

The FUW encourages any shearers who are able to help and farmers or shearing contractors who will require labour resources to fill in the relevant form here: https://www.naac.co.uk/jobs/shearingregister/

The industry has also prepared a Covid-19 Shearing Checklist to ensure that shearers, wool handlers and farmers operate at safe distances and with practical measures to ensure safe health.

This is a reminder that the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) have published guidance for farmers on TB testing during the coronavirus pandemic. This guidance, including an FAQ, can be found on the TB Hub website.

APHA has prepared advice for vets in order to ensure a consistent approach to the prioritisation of TB testing across Britain. There are no plans to cancel any statutory requirements for TB testing. APHA is continuing to monitor the situation, and adjustments to TB testing instructions may be made as appropriate. Further details will follow as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses.