Campaigning changes catchment sensitive farming grant scheme for Wales

Farmers across Wales, who now find themselves part of the Nitrate Vulnerable Zone, welcomed the news that the upper limit on eligible items in the Catchment Sensitive Farming Grant Scheme has now been removed thanks to NFU Cymru lobbing.

At the latter end of 2009, NFU Cymru raised concerns with the Welsh Assembly Government, that the rate of grant available already introduced a limit within which the applicant should be free to spend on eligible items without being limited by a further limit per item.

Elin Jones, made her announcement at Anglesey NFU Cymru Annual General Meeting last night, an area which has been heavily hit by the introduction of NVZ. Dewi Jones newly elected Chairman of Anglesey NFU Cymru said, "Despite the additional bureaucracy of NVZ, this is a major lobbying success for NFU Cymru and I am pleased that Elin jones has listened to our concerns and removed the £10,000 limit on capital items eligible for purchase.

"Slurry stores can cost in the region of £80,000 and the grant previously on offer was not worthy. This announcement is more encouraging and will be an enormous help to farmers, they will now be able to build adequate slurry storage with a grant of up to £30,000 or 40% per holding, of costs towards one item rather than just £10,000 per item. I am also pleased that the Minister has decided to support young farmers, who are now entitled for support of £37,500 per holding or 50% of costs."

Elin Jones expressed her disappointment at Vion’s decision to move the Welsh Country Food’s processing facilities to Cheshire. She told members present that she has received assurances that the slaughter facilities are safe and she also indicated her wish that there should be a large cattle slaughter facility in north Wales.

Dewi Jones ended, "We’re very grateful to Elin Jones for coming to speak to Anglesey NFU Cymru members and highlighting some of the major policy changes that farmers in Anglesey will face over the next few years. Our thanks also go to HSBC Bank Plc for sponsoring the event."