The Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies has announced that Farming Connect will provide a new programme worth £11m which will give farmers advice about the new Sustainable Farming Scheme. According to the Welsh Government, the aim of the programme is to help farm businesses develop resilience as they are preparing for the changes in the SFS and to provide them with advice on how to increase productivity by looking at areas such as improving soil health, animal health and welfare, pest and disease management and developing new skills.
In a statement released as he was launching the project on the Penllyn Estate, the deputy First Minister said:
“I’m pleased to announce an initial £11 million so Farming Connect can keep providing its important services to farmers across Wales for another year.
That support is more important than ever. Farming Connect will play a key role in helping farmers move towards the Sustainable Farming Scheme, and this funding shows our commitment to supporting them through that transition.
I’d encourage farmers to find out more and make the most of the support available.”
Eirwen Williams, director of rural programmes with Mentera, who have won the contract to deliver the Farming Connect programme through competitive tender, said:
“We are proud of our record in delivering the Farming Connect programme on behalf of the Welsh Government since 2011 and we are delighted to be able to continue this work at such a crucial time for Welsh farming. Our priority is to keep supporting Wales’s rural industry with practical, trusted services that help farm businesses move forward. We’re committed to being a steady, constructive partner for the sector as it navigates the changes ahead.”
