Infrastructure support funding is welcomed
FARMING unions have welcomed news of two funding schemes to support investment in on-farm infrastructure.
On Monday Huw Irranca-davies, Welsh secretary for climate change and rural affairs, confirmed schemes that will utilise the £20m of funding that was originally announced in October 2022, through the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru cooperation agreement.
FUW president Ian Rickman commented: “Despite concerns we’ve raised previously in terms of this promised funding as a proportion of the estimated overall costs to the industry of over £360m, this longawaited support will be welcomed by many in light of the recent wet weather.”
The announcement follows a recent Extreme Weather Summit during which the FUW president made a call for urgent capital grant funding in light of the challenges farmers are facing while attempting to increase their slurry storage capacities.
The maximum grant value offered through both the Nutrient Management Investment Scheme and the Small Grants – Yard Coverings Scheme will increase to 50%. The cabinet secretary encourages applicants to consider preparing their planning applications and associated documents as soon as possible.
“We also called for derogations and flexibility around certain scheme requirements. It is therefore encouraging that Rural Payments Wales will consider potential derogations on a case-by-case basis for those who are finding difficulties in meeting certain contract requirements as a result of the prolonged wet weather,” added Mr Rickman
“This statement shows an example of co-working where our concerns result in prompt action from the Welsh Government. We sincerely hope that this positive engagement continues in the context of other fundamental policy developments.”
NFU Cymru president Aled Jones said: “I am pleased that the £20m originally committed by Welsh Government in October 2022, to support compliance with the water quality regulations, will be made available through the Nutrient Management Investment Scheme and the Small Grants – Yard Coverings Scheme, that will open for Expressions of Interest shortly.
“Earlier this month, NFU Cymru presented a list of key asks to Welsh Government in response to the impacts of the wet weather on Welsh agriculture. In order to build longerterm resilience, we asked Welsh Government to bring forward the £20m previously committed to support farmer compliance with the Control of Agricultural Pollution Regulations. This was a message I was able to reiterate when the cabinet secretary hosted the Extreme Weather Summit recently.
“Given that the government’s own 2021 impact assessment highlighted a £360m industry-wide upfront cost to comply with these regulations, it is crucial that this funding is released without further delay to support the industry. Whilst we await more details on the grant schemes, I am pleased that the cabinet secretary has increased the grant intervention rate to 50%. Infrastructure costs have spiralled since the original impact assessment was undertaken and cash-flow is a serious concern on many farms, therefore this additional contribution towards project costs is to be welcomed.
“The cabinet secretary has highlighted that making this announcement now will provide an opportunity for applicants to engage with local planning authorities. Our members across Wales report to us the unnecessary difficulties that they continue to face in relation to obtaining planning approval for new infrastructure to help them meet regulatory requirements and environmental betterment. We have asked for a Wales-wide review of local planning authorities and NRW’S approach to applications for new infrastructure to streamline and reduce the significant administrative cost and burden associated with making environmental improvements on farm.
“The levels of stress and anxiety within the farming community is a key concern to us. The impact of many months of wet weather, together with concerns over agricultural pollution regulations, future farm policy and animal health issues, has taken its toll on many. The need for an empathetic and pragmatic approach to all those who engage with farmers at this time is paramount. I was pleased that the cabinet secretary, in his words to us at the recent summit, recognised the importance of this, something that he has repeated in his statement today.
“I would urge anyone who is struggling to reach out for support. As a union, we are committed to helping and supporting in any way we can. The cabinet secretary has highlighted the importance of contacting Rural Payments Wales as soon as possible to discuss options or request a derogation. Additionally, farming charities provide an invaluable service to farming families. Anyone who is struggling needs to know that you are not alone – there is help and support available.”