NFU victory as feeding rules relaxed

As Wales suffers a blast of severe wintry weather, NFU Cymru has successfully lobbied for livestock feeding rules to be relaxed.

NFU Cymru asked the Welsh Assembly Government for a derogation to the supplementary feeding restrictions for livestock farmers in agri-environment schemes adversely affected by the Arctic conditions. It means agri-environment scheme payments will not be jeopardised by the supplementary feeding of grazing stock when ground is snow covered or frozen. A temporary lifting of the supplementary feeding restrictions also had to be put in place by the Welsh Assembly Government earlier this year when the country was in the grip of similar freezing conditions.

John Owen, NFU Cymru’s Less Favoured Area Chairman said, "Farmers will do their utmost to comply with the requirements of their agri-environment agreements. But at this time and with the harsh winter conditions coming so early in the season, the welfare of their livestock must come first."

A change in rules to allow farmers to use red diesel in their tractors to help grit and clear snow from public roads has also been welcomed NFU Cymru. HMRC has recognised the vital role that farmers are playing across the country during the current bout of extreme winter weather. They have confirmed that red diesel can be used in tractors on public roads to help provide access to schools, hospitals, remote dwellings or communities cut off by ice and snow.

John Owen ended, "This is a sensible step to deal with the exceptionally difficult conditions we’re experiencing. There are hundreds of farmers up and down the country who will now be able to clear their roads more effectively without risk of falling foul of the law. I would now like to see local councils providing farmers with grit and other equipment needed so they can make a difference."