Information about the latest Welsh Government consultation on the CAP reform proposals and advice on how to minimise the risk of incurring costly Single Farm Payment cross compliance penalties will be available at the Farmers’ Union of Wales stand during the three-day Pembrokeshire county show later this month (August 13-15).
Natural Resources Wales staff will also be on the stand every day between 10am and 2pm to assist farmers with re-registering their farm waste exemptions.
“New regulations introduced on 6 April 2010 changed the system of waste exemptions and farm-based exemptions registered before 6 April 2010 will expire on 30 September 2013," said FUW Pembrokeshire county executive officer Rebecca Voyle.
"By this date farmers will need to have registered for a new exemption and the show provides an ideal platform for our members to do this."
The old waste exemptions have been replaced by a completely new list of exempt waste activities and are now grouped into five categories: non-registerable exemptions - also known as Non-Waste Framework, directive exemptions, which don’t have to be registered; use of waste - U; treatment of waste - T; disposal of waste - D; and storage of waste - S.
Some of the new exemptions are almost identical to exemptions in the old system, some are similar but have different limits and conditions, and some are completely new.
Representatives of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI), the grant-making charity that supports members of the farming community facing need, hardship or distress, will be at the FUW stand on Wednesday afternoon offering Christmas cards and 2014 calendars for sale with all of the proceeds going to the charity.
Glastir officers will be on hand every day of the show to answer questions farmers may have with regards to the scheme. They will also be able to help farmers complete the Glastir scorecard to establish what the scheme will mean for their farm.
Staff from Davis Meade Property Consultants and E-ON energy provider will offer advice on a variety of issues including rent reviews, compensation claims, on-farm renewable energy options and providing information about an energy cost savings initiative for FUW members.
“The union is also looking forward to meetings local AMs and MPs during the show to raise issues of local concern including the proposed implementation of the CAP reforms and their impact on agriculture in Pembrokeshire, TB and commodity prices,” said Mrs Voyle.