Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs
has today announced
further temporary relaxation of obligations, or ‘derogations’, to
assist Glastir farmers and land owners affected by the current
prolonged period of dry weather.
Farmers and land owners have recently reported challenges in soil
tillage and the increased risk of crop failure due to the current
dry spell.
There will now be a blanket derogation on the establishment of
root crops until 15 August. Although contract holders do
not need to contact RPW, farm records such as activity diaries
must be updated.
Alternatively, contract holders can request to not undertake the
root crop option for 2018. In these circumstances, it will
not contribute towards the 2018 payment but no penalties will be
applied for not delivering the option either.
Claimants must request this derogation in advance either in
writing or through RPW online.
On unsprayed Spring Sown cereals, current rules prevent farm
businesses from harvesting before 1 August or until 14 weeks
after sowing (whichever is later). A blanket derogation
will now allow harvesting to commence from 15 July.
Again, contract holders do not need to contact RPW but farm
records must be updated.
For contract holders with hay meadow options, a derogation has
already been given to allow them to cut before the
15th July. Contract holders do not need to
contact RPW although farm records must be updated.
Farmers and land owners experiencing difficulties in meeting
other Glastir options or have animal welfare issues, such as
availability of water for livestock, are advised to contact RPW
immediately for further consideration on a case by case basis.
Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs,
, said:
“The prolonged period of dry and hot weather has been a real
challenge for farmers across Wales.
“I want us to be able to provide flexibility to them and I am
pleased to be able to announce further temporary relaxations to
Glastir obligations. These will not only support farmers to
mitigate the impact of the dry period but enable them to continue
delivering their Glastir commitments.”
