The Farmers’ Union of Wales has repeated its concerns that there is still no clarity around the budget available for the Habitat Wales scheme, which launched on Friday 29 September 2023. 

The scheme replaces the former Glastir scheme and it is understood that more than 17,000 Welsh farmers may be eligible to apply for the scheme. 

FUW President Ian Rickman said: “We are extremely concerned by the lack of clarity on the budget available. The uncertainty for farming business is immense and no business should be expected to operate under such circumstances. 

The Ceredigion branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales held a successful information evening for members on the agricultural water pollution regulations facing the farming industry (NVZ regulations).

The meeting, which was held at Aberaeron Rugby club, heard from FUW Senior Policy and Communications Officer Gareth Parry, who summarised and discussed the Control of Agricultural Pollution regulations; as well as Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration who discussed planning, the increase in agricultural planning applications and the problems caused by phosphate management in Ceredigion. Dr Iwan Owen, a former lecturer from Aberystwyth University, addressed the management of nitrates, soil and grassland.

The Carmarthen branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales has elected Ann Davies, who was born and raised in Llanarthne where she farms a tenanted dairy unit with her husband Gareth, as its new chairperson. Mrs Davies takes over the chairmanship from Phil Jones, who served the branch as its chair for 4 years. 

She is mother to three daughters, and grandmother of six.  Until her election as County Councillor for Llanddarog and Llanarthne parishes in 2017 she was a Peripatetic Music Teacher with Carmarthenshire County Council, but now co-runs Cwtsh y Clos children’s nursery with her daughter Gwenllian. 

The Pembrokeshire branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales is hosting an information evening for members on Wednesday 27 September at Clarbeston Road memorial hall, Clarbeston Road. 

The event starts at 7.30pm and will discuss the 4 Rivers For Life Project, the new Farming Connect project as well as Habitat Wales scheme.

The 4 Rivers For Life Project aims to improve the condition of 4 major rivers in Wales including the Eastern and Western Cleddau.  Gareth Waters, will be on hand to explain more about how farmers can work with them on the project and what funding is available to establish wide fenced riparian corridors on farm, possibly help farmers with clean and dirty water separation on yard, soil testing, and possible tree planting.