Farming within the Regulations of Cross Compliance'

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Farming within the Regulations of Cross
Compliance.

• Huw Thomas
• FWAG Cymru
• Farm Conservation Adviser for South Wales.

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Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group

• The UKs only independent provider of
  conservation advice to landowners.
• 120 experienced advisers across the UK.
• Offer a cost effective method of gaining
  information and practical advice.
• Aim to achieve financial and wildlife benefits to
  your farm.

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Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group

• Promote sympathetic methods of farming.
• Demonstrate how wildlife conservation can run
  alongside all methods of farming.
• Over 9000 farm visits covering 1.2 million ha of
  land.
• Secured over 5 million to farmers through grant
  applications.

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Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group

• Tir Gofal / Tir Cynnal applications.
• Resource management plans.
• On farm advice on farming and environmental
  issues.
• Help farmers with Cross Compliance issues.
• Confidential between adviser and farmer.

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CROSS COMPLIANCE

• The standards which need to be met to receive
  Single Farm Payment.
• 2 Types
• Statutory Management Regs (SMR)
• Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition

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Protection of groundwater

• 1. Sheep dip disposal.
• 2. Slurries and effluent management.

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Conservation of flora and fauna.

• Complying with rules on identified sites of
  SSSIs and SACs.
• Do not pick or uproot protected plants.

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Conservation of wild birds.

• Disturbing nests.
• Culling / catching.
• No hunting within closed dates of 1st of Feb to
  30th Sept.

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Protection of Water in NVZs.

• Comply with action plan measures.
• Keep relevant records on cropping, livestock
  numbers and manure usage.

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Application of Sewage Sludge.

• Comply with grazing and harvesting restrictions
  on grasslands.
• Not an issue in the uplands.

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Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition.
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Summary

• More Red Tape/ Rules Regs, but fewer checks
  (1).
• Farmers will need to be more aware of legislation
  and practices which are damaging to environment.
• Increased focus on environmental / conservation
  aspects of land management.
• Farmers role evolving from sole food production
  to
• Manage Landscape.
• Preserve natural habitats and wildlife.

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Conclusion.

• Must work closer with Governing Bodies, Farming
  unions, and FWAG !!
• Misleading to say that that most farms are
  already Complying due to lack of research.
• Plenty of help and advice will be available.
  Make the most of it.

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THE END