Welsh farmers preparing to adopt sustainable farming systems will receive an additional £11m of support through the Farming Connect program over the next year.
The funding will enable Farming Connect to continue operating across Wales as farmers adapt to the changes expected under the new system.
The announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister for Climate Change and Rural Affairs Hugh Ilanka-Davies during a visit to Penrhyn Estate Farm.
The program runs in parallel with the Sustainable Agriculture Plan and aims to support implementation at farm level.
The Welsh Government says this support will focus on helping farmers improve their resilience and productivity in areas such as soil health, animal health and welfare, pest management, benchmarking and skills development.
Announcing the funding, the Deputy First Minister said: “I am delighted to announce an initial £11 million to ensure Farming Connect can continue to provide vital services to farmers across Wales for another year.”
He added: “Farming Connect will play an important role in helping farmers transition towards sustainable farming plans. This funding demonstrates our commitment to supporting farmers through that transition.”
Delivery of Farming Connect will continue under Mentera, which retains the contract following a competitive bidding process.
Eywen Williams, Director of Rural Programs at Menterra, said: “We are proud of our track record of delivering the Farming Connect program on behalf of the Welsh Government since 2011.
She said the group was “delighted to be able to continue this work at such an important time for agriculture in Wales”.
During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister met with Tom Homfrey from Penrhyn Estates and explained how the program has supported businesses over the years.
Homfray said: “Farming Connect is an essential resource for our business.”
He cited staff training on machinery, support through professional qualifications and business planning.
He added: “This is a very good use of public funds. Public funds can help improve technical skills, improve farm safety, provide networking opportunities and ultimately increase farm profitability through improved performance.”
The funding will cover a further year of Farming Connect as work continues to develop and roll out sustainable farming schemes.
