The decision by Welsh Government to exempt cattle under 180 days of age from routine or targeted surveillance bovine TB testing in unrestricted herds has been welcomed by the Farmers’ Union of Wales as a pragmatic approach to the current pandemic.

Farmers across Wales are being reminded not to delay filling out their SAF applications, by the Farmers’ Union of Wales. The call comes after Rural Payments Wales (RPW) has reported a reduction in forms submitted compared to this time last year.

FUW Pembrokeshire County Executive Officer Rebecca Voyle said: “RPW has seen a reduction of around 20% in the number of SAF applications submitted when compared to this time last year. We therefore encourage and remind members that it would be beneficial if SAF forms were submitted early, where possible. This will help the Customer Contact Centre manage the workload and prevent them from being inundated with telephone and RPW Online enquiries close to the SAF deadline.”

Those who are unable to submit a fully completed SAF or any SAF Supporting Documents before the 15 June deadline should inform RPW via RPW Online or the Customer Contact Centre.

Applications under the Force Majeure / Exceptional Circumstances provision must be made within 15 working days of the final date the individual business knew they would be unable to submit their SAF and/or Supporting Documents by the deadline.

Recent reports of dog attacks on livestock during the Covid-19 pandemic have prompted the Farmers’ Union of Wales to urge dog walkers to keep dogs on a lead when exercising in the countryside.

FUW Animal Health and Welfare Committee Chairman, Ian Lloyd, said: “We are reminding those taking respite in the countryside to also remember our farmers who are key workers producing our food at this very difficult time.  

“Many family farms in Wales have been hit hard by the closure of restaurants, cafes and other service outlets during the current pandemic. Avoidable losses, such as those that happen when a dog chases or attacks livestock, are unnecessary, bad for both dog and livestock welfare and add to the current financial stress being experienced by farming businesses at this time.”

The FUW has repeatedly called for legislative changes that will provide police forces with more powers to obtain evidence for prosecution, seize dogs, ban offenders from keeping dogs and have dangerous dogs destroyed.  

The Union continues to stress the importance of toughening the legislation relating to dog attacks on livestock in order to help reduce the severe welfare and financial consequences that occur when sheep are stressed, injured, mutilated or killed by dogs.

“There is growing frustration and anger amongst our membership that very little can be done to protect the livestock sector from dog attacks.  Prior to the pandemic, the number of reported dog attacks on livestock had shown some signs of improving and, whilst many dog attacks happen by unaccompanied dogs that have strayed from the home environment, our messages about keeping dogs on a lead near livestock have become even more relevant during this pandemic as people seek to get outdoors,” said Mr Lloyd.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has written to Future Generations Commissioner Sophie Howe, outlining the urgent need to safeguard domestic food security and primary producers by ensuring that the procurement process is properly aligned with the Well Being of Future Generations Act.  

In his letter, FUW President Glyn Roberts stressed that it is essential that the food procurement process does not place price above all other factors and functions in a way which protects domestic food security, preserves the food supply chain and ensures the longer term viability of our food producers and their businesses. 

“The current Covid-19 pandemic has placed significant pressure on the  farming industry, with a varied impact on food supply chains. Whilst panic buying and other factors have led to significant shortages of certain foodstuffs, sales of produce through cafes and other outlets have plummeted.  This has led to major price cuts for many of our red meat and dairy producers.

“The pandemic has brought the importance of maintaining UK food security into sharp focus and it is essential that those businesses producing our most essential commodity are both supported and recognised in the short and longer term,” wrote Mr Roberts.

This, he stresses, is especially pertinent given that the Welsh agricultural sector was already under pressure from other industry uncertainties, not least those associated with Brexit and the current Welsh Government appetite for increasing agricultural regulation above and beyond that experienced by our global competitors.  

“Whilst the FUW appreciates that increasing and promoting domestic food procurement is not a silver bullet to current industry problems, we believe that it is essential that the UK Government recognise our key workers and lead by example when procuring foodstuffs in order to protect the longer-term viability and sustainability of those family farms and businesses which are vital in ensuring that the UK has a secure food supply,” he added.