News

• Five bluefin tuna landed at Milford Haven were processed and sold in Burry Port 

• The sale is part of a trial to help build a sustainable, Welsh bluefin tuna fishery 

• Fishers hope for further landings in the coming weeks 

As nearly 500 farms in Wales have confirmed cases of Bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Dr Richard Irvine, has urged livestock keepers to plan ahead for next year.

• 90% of farms claiming under the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) Universal Layer and 94% of farms claiming under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) have now received their advance payment. 

• SFS and BPS advance payment rates were increased this year to 80% to help ease cash-flow pressure caused by this summer's dry weather 

• Building on previously announced support for the industry 

• All bird keepers in Wales are urged to review biosecurity now, ahead of the higher-risk winter period 

• Strict biosecurity and hygiene is the most effective way to protect flocks from avian influenza 

• Biosecurity self-assessment checklists are available to help keepers identify and close any gaps 

• The fine for leaving a vehicle engine running while parked will rise from £20 to between £75 and £150 from 30 September 2026. 

• The change aims to protect public health by reducing air pollution, which contributes to heart and lung disease and disproportionately affects children and vulnerable people. 

• Cabinet Minister Llyr Gruffydd marked the change with a visit to Marshfield Primary School in Newport, where pupils have taken part in a Welsh Government-funded anti-idling project. 

Farmers who are members of the Farm Assured Welsh Livestock (FAWL) scheme will not need to complete separate Animal Health Improvement Cycle (AHIC) ‘Measure’ and ‘Plan’ requirements for the 2026 Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS). 

• Advance payments for farm businesses rise from 70% to 80%, easing cash-flow pressure caused by the exceptionally difficult conditions farmers have faced this year. 

• Farmers get more time to manage slurry safely, as legislation will be introduced to extend the open period for spreading to to 15 November 2026, responding directly to the impacts of this summer's drought. 

• Minister says giving farmers extra time to spread safely and reduce levels is ‘now the more responsible environmental choice’ 

• Registered vehicle owners could be fined for litter thrown from their car 

• Roadside rubbish blights communities, harms wildlife and is difficult to enforce against under current law 

• Views and evidence sought as part of wider consultation on environmental sustainability, open until 14 October

Analysis by the Welsh Government Energy Service estimates that the Welsh public sector electric vehicle (EV) fleet is now avoiding the annual purchase of diesel costing up to £3.7 million (2.4 million litres).

• Members appointed to Expert Working Group to develop the National Food Strategy for Wales 

• Terms of Reference published, setting out four pillars for a resilient and sustainable food system 

• Plans to fast-track early action on school food, edible horticulture and the meat supply chain 

• A four-week consultation opens on 21 September seeking views on new measures to protect seals and hares 

• Proposals include a new offence for disturbing seals and a close season protecting hares during their breeding period 

• People can share their views once the consultation launches later this month 

• Cases continue to rise in Wales and across Great Britain 

• Testing and reporting requirements in Wales remain unchanged 

• Keepers are urged to discuss vaccination with their vet and must report suspect cases promptly