FWAG Cymru holds successful 40th anniversary conference

In association with the LIFE Active Blanket Bog project

About 100 people, mainly farmers, attended a FWAG 40th anniversary conference on Tuesday, 9^th May at the Lake Vyrnwy Hotel, near Llanfyllin.  The conference was organised by FWAG Cymru on behalf of the LIFE Active Blanket Bog in Wales Project.

Alun Edwards, FWAG Cymru chairman, chaired the proceedings introducing himself as a farmer as opposed to a landmanager, the latter a term which is fast becoming a favourite of the bureaucrats. 

Mick Bates gave the opening address congratulating the conference organisers on bringing together people of disparate opinions for constructive debate. He went on to explain that Wales has led on creating environmental schemes to create a balance between food production and nature conservation; as well as reducing pollution. He emphasised that farmers were crucial in maintaining the landscape, and are well placed to play a pivotal role in combating the impacts of climate change.

Jared Wilson, LIFE Project Manager explained the heather moorland management project in detail. The practicalities were further explained during the afternoon mountain visit when blocked ditches were viewed and the impacts discussed. Gwyn Evans, the Farm Manager at the Severn Trent farm (which is managed by RSPB Cymru) explained that fewer sheep are now lost on the mountain, with Jared & Mike Walker ( RSPB Cymru) explaining the benefits of slowing down the water flow in terms of reducing flood risk lower down the valley.

During the morning session, David Jenkins of Coed Cymru outlined the Pontbren project. Again, this project leads in its field - 10 family farms have been co-operating together concentrating on ensuring the viability of their farms, with a focus on what their land can provide, minimising the requirement to buy products in. For example, the total straw bill for the farms had risen to as much as £50,000 per year, but now the use of woodchip has been developed to reduce this cost. The farmers involved have undertaken tree planting schemes at carefully sited locations and research has shown that the planted areas absorb much more water than the grassland around them - again important in terms of flood management. Projects with a number of farmers co-operating on schemes over larger areas is likely to feature prominently in the new agri-environment scheme, Glastir, as the keynote speaker, Jon Westlake from the Welsh Assembly Government went on to explain. Glastir replaces all current agri-environment schemes and will have two elements. Glastir Mark One will be available to all farmers in Wales but a farm must attain the necessary points to be offered an agreement, although details of the scheme have yet to be finalised. There are no capital works grants available to assist in attaining the points. Payment rates were quoted as £28 in non LFA areas, £33.60 in LFSA areas, although as it stands now, it seems that most if not all of this money would have to be spent in attaining the points required to participate.

Glastir Mark Two, the higher tier scheme, would be available only in some areas. Few details of the scheme have been finalised, but a payment rate of £150 per hectare may be available. There will be an emphasis on climate change issues, with water and carbon management, such as illustrated by the LIFE project playing a significant role. Mr Westlake explained that the scheme is long term (20 years), should reduce red tape and have a simplified application process. Farmers interested in joining the scheme will need to tick a box within their 2010 Single Farm Payment forms which will be taken as an expression of interest. They will be sent out an application pack with information on how to complete it, and then asked to attend an appointment at a Welsh Assembly office to progress their agreement.

A lively question and answer session ensued, followed by a delicious lunch and visits to view the machinery used for heather moorland management on the farm, led by LIFE's Mike Morris.

For more information on the LIFE project or the implications/possibilities of undertaking similar work on any area of heather moorland please contact the LIFE projecxt on 01691 870939.

FWAG Cymru will be more than happy to assist in preparing farmers for Glastir - please telephone 01341 421456 or e-mail cymru@fwag.org.uk.