News

• New Government committed to eradicating bovine TB 

• Pembrokeshire and North Wales projects extended following successes 

• Strong collaboration between farmers, vets, academia and government key to combatting bovine TB 

• Capital grants available for boreholes, water harvesting and ventilation 

• Temporary derogations available for farmers in the Sustainable Farming Scheme and farmers delivering preparatory scheme contacts. 

• Guidance available on animal welfare in extreme weather 

• Welsh Government is urging farmers and livestock keepers across Wales to check for signs of Bluetongue (BTV-3), as cases continue to rise in Wales and England.
• Livestock can move freely between England and Wales since the all-Wales Restricted Zone began in November 2025, so keepers should check the Bluetongue status of animals before buying or moving them.
• Keepers should take three steps: check the Bluetongue status of replacement animals, speak to their vet about vaccination, and report suspected cases promptly to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

• White Paper published on issues and challenges facing rural Wales, action on climate change, sustainability and environmental protections. 

• Around one in three people in Wales live in rural areas facing higher costs, lower pay and unequal access to services 

• Proposals are designed to support thriving rural communities, businesses and public services  

• New strategy to cover the entire food system from farm to fork 

• Expert group being established to shape the future of Welsh food 

• Industry champion appointed to lead stakeholder engagement 

• £340 million per year guaranteed for three years to March 2030 to support the Sustainable Farming Scheme
• Funding commitment delivered within first 100 days of the new Government

• Seven projects across six local authority areas receive a share of £540,761
• Funding supports oyster restoration, marine monitoring, harbour improvements and seafood trail development
• Scheme delivered through Wales Council for Voluntary Action on behalf of Welsh Government

• Welsh farming businesses can apply for loans of between £25,001 and £1 million from 1 July 2026
• The scheme offers a fixed interest rate of 3%, with a repayment holiday and terms of up to 15 years
• Up to £5 million is available in 2026/27 to support energy efficiency, renewable energy and productivity improvements

• Next phase of the industry-led programme to eradicate BVD from Wales - backed by farming unions, vets, markets and auctioneers.
• New rules from 1 July 2026 to protect cattle health, welfare and farm productivity across Wales.
• Cattle keepers with BVD Not-Negative herds must pre-movement test before moving animals off their holding.

• £10m to restore biodiversity, create jobs and strengthen community connections with the natural environment.
• New Climate and Nature Plan to deliver net zero by 2040 and substantive nature recovery by 2050.
• Active work underway to secure a multi-annual budget for the Sustainable Farming Scheme.

• Welsh Government delivers first of its 100-day manifesto commitments to farming sector
• Independent review launched to examine the bureaucratic burden on Welsh farm businesses
• Experienced farmer and former NFU Cymru President John Davies appointed to lead the work 

Bird keepers are being advised that ‘Low risk does not mean no risk’ as the all-Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has today been lifted.