Union calls for creation of government grants scheme to aidWelsh farmers

A SMALL-GRANTS scheme needs to be made available for Welsh farmers, the National Farmers Union has said.

Perkin Evans, chairman of NFU Cymru’s Combinable Crops and Horticulture Working Group, said: “Progress with rolling out the Wales RDP [Rural Development Programme] has been slow and with Brexit now on the horizon, we are up against the clock.

“We really need to see new impetus from the Welsh Government when it comes to rolling out the RDP in Wales and we must make the best possible use of the time we have left to participate in European programmes, to prepare the industry for the challenges that lie ahead.

“The RDP must deliver for as many farmers as possible and needs to have a broad reach, with simple and straightforward processes for accessing funds.

“We believe that the introduction of a small-grants scheme, to help farmers invest in the latest equipment and new technology, could help farmers across all sectors in Wales.

“A small-grants scheme would be of significant interest and benefit to Welsh arable producers in supporting our sector to invest in things such as precision farming technology, minimum tillage and soil aeration equipment – investments that improve productivity on farm and also help the industry meet our environmental and climate change obligations.”

Mr Evans added: “RDP funds have the potential to make a significant contribution to farm businesses across Wales – these are the businesses that underpin the economic, social, cultural and environmental wellbeing of Wales.

“NFU Cymru is more than willing to work with Welsh Government in implementing the RDP schemes – therefore I urge Welsh Government to work with the union to deliver what the industry needs.”