News

• 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 

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

• 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 

• Steering Group to be set up to help create an independent body with practical support for communities before, during and after floods. 

• Announcement follows a visit to Milford Haven, where new flood defences are under construction. 

• New members to be appointed to the committee coordinating flooding strategy across Wales. 

• The Welsh Government has started work on Wales's first Climate and Nature Action Plan, which addresses climate change and nature loss together rather than as separate issues.
• The Welsh Government is establishing a Climate and Nature Board, chaired by Cabinet Minister Llyr Gruffydd, to help shape the plan and hold delivery to account.
• The plan sets a target of net zero by 2040 and substantive nature recovery by 2050.

• 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).