A review takes place on the future direction of all agri-environment schemes

The Minister has called a halt on all new Tir Cynnal schemes, with entry into Tir Gofal to be made even more difficult.  The Assembly is currently looking at the future direction of all agri-environment schemes and is including Tir Mynydd, Tir Cynnal, Tir Gofal and Catchment Sensitive Farming in this review.

TIR GOFAL

New Agreements - Resource Management Plans

All farmers with a Tir Gofal agreement starting in 2008 need to complete a Resource Management Plan. This is new requirement, and applies to farmers who've signed an agreement from 2008 onwards. The Resource Management Plan takes the form of orange documents received within the Tir Gofal agreement "red wallet." If you'd like assistance in completing these, then please contact FWAG Cymru on 01341 421456.  Assembly staff will be visiting farms over the coming months, and failure to produce a completed Resource Management Plan could mean losing a substantial amount of the Tir Gofal payment.

Applicants Waiting

The Minister's announcement in late October will mean that it will be more difficult for many farmers (who have already applied), to enter the scheme, with possible changes to the points currently allocated. If an applicant needs to undertake some of the "options" to gain the threshold 100 points to enter, the Tir Gofal Project Officer may not be able to continue with the application process. However, FWAG Cymru can assist by seeking to ensure that your farm reaches the 100 point threshold in preparation for the Tir Gofal official's visit.

FWAG Cymru can be contacted at 01341 421456.

Five Year Break Clause

This is an opportunity to review the scheme and plan the next five years. FWAG Cymru offers invaluable assistance at this stage - their Farm Conservation Advisers will be able to discuss the best options with you and plan the continuation of your scheme.

TIR CYNNAL

Resource Management Plans

 All Tir Cynnal farmers need to complete Resource Management Plans as part of their agreement. Assistance is offered by FWAG Cymru to ensure that the documentation is in order. All Plans also need to be reviewed annually - again this is a requirement of the agreement. Please contact FWAG Cymru for assistance on 01341 421456. Failure to produce a completed Resource Management Plans could mean losing a substantial amount of the Tir Cynnal payment should an inspection take place.

Hedge Trimming Rotation

Under the scheme, 25% of hedges are to remain uncut each year -FWAG Cymru offers assistance in planning  hedge cutting rotations to ensure compliance with the scheme rules, so safeguarding your payment.