Rural grants for organic farmers – Wales
The Welsh government have confirmed that organic farmers will be able to apply for the upcoming ‘growing for the environment’ scheme options alongside their existing Glastir agreements*, and not be caught out by ‘double funding’.
This is welcome news which follows extensive lobbying by Soil Association Certification in partnership with Welsh Organic Forum.
*Please note following exceptions: These options are not eligible for organic farmers currently claiming organic Glastir payments for horticulture (payment rate 1), and Glastir payment rates 30 & 32 (unsprayed root crops on improved grassland).
The next round of funding is due to open on 03 October 2022 and will include the following options, many of which are suitable for organic farmers:
|
Option |
Description |
|
Mixed Leys |
Establish a mixed ley, comprising minimum 5 grass species, 3 legume species and 3 herb species. |
|
Red Clover or Lucerne |
Establish a Red clover or Lucerne ley |
|
Protein crops (no weed control) |
Establish and harvest a protein crop with no weed control. Eligible crops: Field beans, peas, lupins |
|
Unsprayed root or forage crop |
Establish an unsprayed root or forage crop. Eligible crops: Swedes, Fodder beets, White turnips, Soft yellow turnips, Hardy yellow turnips, Brassicas, Forage rape, Chicory. |
|
Unsprayed spring sown cereals |
Establish an unsprayed, spring-sown cereal crop. Eligible crops include: Barley, Wheat, Oats, Triticale, Rye. |
|
Unsprayed spring cereals under sown with mixed ley |
Establish an unsprayed, spring-sown cereal crop, under sown with a mixed ley seed mixture. Eligible crops include: Barley, Wheat, Oats, Triticale, Rye. Under sown mixed ley, comprising maximum 5 grass and a minimum of 3 legume and 3 herb species. |
|
Unsprayed cereal and protein crop mix |
Establish an unsprayed, spring-sown cereal / protein crop mix. Eligible crops include: Barley, Wheat, Oats, Triticale, Rye / Field beans, peas, lupins, vetches. Seed mixture to comprise 50% cereal and 50% protein seed by weight. |
|
Unsprayed cereal and protein crop under sown with mixed ley |
As above, with Under sown mixed ley, comprising maximum 5 grass and a minimum of 3 legume and 3 herb species. |
|
Under sowing maize (spring/summer sown) |
Establish a cover crop within a growing maize crop. Seed mixture to include a minimum of 2 crop species which are suitable for growing within the shade of a maize crop |
Specific payment rates to be released in coming months.