£20m grant support for slurry storage
THE CABINET Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw IrrancaDavies, has confirmed two funding schemes to support investment in on-farm infrastructure, which will help build resilience to climate change’s potential impact.
£20m has been committed to two schemes to support farmers in complying with agricultural pollution regulations.
SLURRY AND STORAGE
The Nutrient Management Investment Scheme and the Small Grants—Yard Coverings scheme will open shortly. Both schemes are designed to enable farmers to address nutrient management and storage by supporting additional slurry storage capacity and preventing rainwater from entering slurry stores to reduce storage capacity requirements.
The support has been increased to provide a maximum 50% contribution towards certain project costs.
Detailed guidance will be available shortly; both schemes will be open by the summer.
The Rural Affairs Secretary said: “In response to the prolonged period of wet weather, I recently chaired an ‘Extreme Weather Summit’ with key agricultural partners to discuss its impact on farmers and growers. The impact of wet weather shows the importance of investing in resilience. During the summit, I heard of significant issues concerning slurry storage capacity.
“Whilst the weather has slightly improved recently, the delayed access to work the land and increasing costs incurred during the extended winter months will have short, medium and long-term impacts.
“I’m pleased to announce these schemes to help farmers build resilience to extreme weather conditions. The funding will also support farmers in reaching compliance with our Agricultural Pollution Regulations, which will help improve water quality in our rivers and their tributaries.
“I would encourage applicants to consider potential investments before application windows open and, where appropriate, engage with local planning authorities. Planning and SuDS applications should be submitted as soon as possible; doing this work before an application window does not affect your eligibility to apply.
“In the short term, I am acutely aware of the human impact on farming families. I am clear we need to face this issue with communication and a pragmatic approach. The mental health of those involved in the agricultural industry is of great concern to me, and I strongly encourage anyone suffering from stress or other mental health issues to ask for help.
“The Welsh Government will also play its part.
“Suppose farmers have any difficulties meeting the requirements of their contracts due to this prolonged wet weather period. In that case, they should contact Rural Payments Wales as soon as possible to discuss their options or to request a derogation.
“All requests will be considered on a case-bycase basis.”
CO-WORKING ESSENTIAL
FUW President Ian Rickman commented: “Despite concerns we’ve raised previously regarding this promised funding as a proportion of the estimated overall costs to the industry of over £360 million, this long-awaited support will be welcomed by many in light of the recent wet weather.”
“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,” Mr Rickman added.
James Evans MS, Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, said: “I’m glad the Welsh Government has softened its approach and acknowledged the real challenges farmers face with the constant rainfall. It’s a step in the right direction that they’ve provided extra funding for on-farm improvements to help meet Nutrient Managemen t requirements, as farmers are a key stakeholder in keeping our rivers clean. With farm incomes falling, they need government support to comply with the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations. However, with the Welsh Government only providing up to 50% of the funding, it is still a huge challenge for farm businesses to find the additional money.
“It’s a welcome change that the new Cabinet Secretary appears to be listening to the industry. I hope he’ll now work collaboratively across the Senedd to revisit the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS). We need a scheme that supports our farmers, not hinders them.
“Only by working with farmers can the Welsh Government achieve its long-term goals for climate change and nature recovery.”
PLANNING ISSUES MUST BE TACKLED
NFU Cymru President Aled Jones said: “Given that the government’s 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.
“While 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 this announcement will allow applicants to engage with local planning authorities.
“Our members across Wales report to us the unnecessary difficulties they continue to face in 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.”