The need for an accessible agri-environment scheme which offers every farmer in Wales the opportunity to participate if they so wish was called for by members of NFU Cymru’s Less Favoured Area (LFA) Board at its recent meeting.
The Board expressed concern that farmers with Glastir Entry contracts finishing at the end of 2016 would have no opportunity to extend their contract or apply for a new Glastir Entry contract.
The Welsh Government has made no commitment to open an application window in 2016 for 2017 entry to the Scheme.
It was noted that there had been no application window for Glastir Entry Scheme during 2015 either.
Glastir is a whole farm land management scheme open to all farmers and land managers throughout Wales.
Applicants will make a commitment to deliver environmental goods for five years under a legally binding contract.
NFU Cymru LFA Board Chairman John Owen said: "Farmers across all sectors are experiencing challenging market conditions at present.
"We are asking Welsh Government to make clear its commitment to an agri-environment scheme that is accessible to every farmer in Wales to participate in if they so wish.
"This will assist farm businesses in considering the full range of options available to them and allow for focussed business planning."
