Farming Connect support for clean water on Anglesey

Farming Connect’s campaign to support Welsh farmers with improving water quality has reached Anglesey; two events have been held to outline the support available from Farming Connect and to highlight how farmers can reduce agricultural pollution levels.

Twenty-eight waterbodies in Wales have been identified by WLMF as not reaching the required standards. The meetings on Anglesey are part of a wider, national campaign aimed at generating an industry commitment to eliminating pollution to demonstrate the high standards and reputation of Welsh farming.

Those who attended the meeting learned about the ways Farming Connect can support Welsh farmers to make positive changes.

The Farming Connect Advisory Service can provide 80% funding for expert, independent, confidential and bespoke advice on soil and nutrient management planning, slurry and farmyard manure management and storage and farm infrastructure. Eligible businesses registered with Farming Connect can also access 100% funding (up to a maximum of €1500) as part of a group of 3 or more.

Zoe Henderson, Chair of the Wales Land Management Forum’s sub-group on agricultural pollution – a body incorporating Natural Resources Wales, Welsh Government, Farming Unions and others, attended the meeting

“We all need to play our part in making sure we have a healthy water environment. I was encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by farmers, and their keenness to work towards eliminating agricultural pollution, the Wales Land Management forum members are keen to support them every step of the way”

Also in attendance at one of the meetings was Alaw Jones, FUW’s County Executive Officer for Anglesey.

“It’s obvious that the industry are committed to eliminating pollution and we were pleased to see so many of our members present reflecting their intentions to attain high standard of Welsh farming” said Alaw.

One farmer present, who also owns an agricultural contracting business locally was Gareth Hughes.

“It was an interesting evening. I’ve learned that I don’t need to make big expensive changes, I can make small, simple changes which can have a substantial effect”.

Einir Williams, Farming Connect Regional Manager for north Wales said

“I would urge all farmers in Wales to consider their potential impact on the environment and discuss their individual requirements with their local Farming Connect Development Officer, who will be able to guide them to the most appropriate support.”

“Engaging with these services will have significant benefits for farm businesses and the wider community and economy who are reliant on a healthy water environment” said Einir.

If you require further information about how to improve water quality you are encouraged to contact the Farming Connect Service Centre on 08456 000 813 or visit www.gov.wales/farmingconnect to find contact details for your local Development Officer, who will be able to guide you through the services.

Cefnogaeth Cyswllt Ffermio ar gyfer dŵr glân ar Ynys Môn

Mae ymgyrch Cyswllt Ffermio i gefnogi ffermwyr Cymru i wella ansawdd dŵr wedi cyrraedd Ynys Môn yr wythnos hon; cynhaliwyd dau ddigwyddiad i amlinellu’r gefnogaeth sydd ar gael gan Cyswllt Ffermio ac i amlygu sut all ffermwyr leihau lefelau llygredd amaethyddol.

Mae 28 o gyrff dŵr yng Nghymru wedi cael eu henwi gan sefydliadau sydd â chynrychiolaeth ar yr WLMF fel ardaloedd nad ydynt yn bodloni’r safonau gofynnol. Mae’r cyfarfodydd ar Ynys Môn yn rhan o ymgyrch cenedlaethol ehangach sydd wedi’i anelu at annog ymrwymiad gan y diwydiant i waredu llygredd er mwyn dangos safonau uchel ac enw da ffermio yng Nghymru.

Cafodd mynychwyr gyfle i ddysgu am y ffyrdd y gall Cyswllt Ffermio gefnogi ffermwyr Cymru i wneud newidiadau cadarnhaol.

Gall Gwasanaeth Cynghori Cyswllt Ffermio ddarparu cyllid 80% ar gyfer cyngor arbenigol, annibynnol, cyfrinachol wedi’i deilwra ynglŷn â chynllunio rheoli maetholion, rheoli a storio slyri a thail buarth ac isadeiledd fferm. Gall busnesau cymwys sydd wedi cofrestru gyda Cyswllt Ffermio hefyd gael mynediad at gyllid 100% (hyd at uchafswm o €1500) fel rhan o grŵp o 3 neu fwy.

Roedd Zoe Henderson, Cadeirydd is-grŵp Fforwm Rheolwyr Tir Cymru ar lygredd amaethyddol – corff sy’n cynnwys Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru, Llywodraeth Cymru, Undebau Ffermio ac eraill, yn bresennol yn y cyfarfod.

“Mae’n rhaid i ni i gyd chwarae ein rhan i ganiatáu amgylchedd dŵr iach. Roeddwn yn falch o weld brwdfrydedd y ffermwyr a’u hawch i weithio tuag at leihau llygredd amaethyddol, mae aelodau’r Fforwm Rheolwyr Tir Cymru yn awyddus i’w cefnogi.

Roedd Alaw Jones, Swyddog Gweithredol Sirol UAC, hefyd yn bresennol.

“Mae’n amlwg bod y diwydiant yn ymrwymedig i leihau llygredd, roeddwn ni’n falch iawn o weld nifer o aelodau’r UAC yn y cyfarfod yn trafod eu bwriad i gynnal safon uchel ffermio Cymru” meddai Alaw.

Un ffermwr lleol sydd hefyd yn berchen ar fusnes contractio amaethyddol a fynychodd y digwyddiad oedd Gareth Hughes.

“Roedd hi’n nosonddifyr iawn. Rydw i wedi dysgu bod dim rhaid gwneud newidiadau mawrcostus ond yn hytrach bod posib gwneud newidiadau bach syml gall arwain at effaith sylweddol”

Dywedodd Einir Williams, Rheolwr Rhanbarthol ar ran gogledd Cymru, “Byddem yn annog pob ffermwr yng Nghymru i ystyried eu heffaith posibl ar yr amgylchedd a thrafod eu gofynion unigol gyda’u Swyddog Datblygu Cyswllt Ffermio lleol, a fydd yn gallu eu cyfeirio at y gefnogaeth fwyaf addas.”

“Bydd defnyddio’r gwasanaethau yma’n arwain at fanteision sylweddol i fusnesau fferm a’r gymuned ehangach sy’n dibynnu ar amgylchedd dŵr iach,” meddai Einir.

O oes angen rhagor o wybodaeth arnoch ynglŷn â sut i wella ansawdd dŵr, cysylltwch â Chanolfan Gwasanaeth Cyswllt Ffermio ar 08456 000 813 neu ewch i www.llyw.cymru i gael manylion cyswllt eich Swyddog Datblygu lleol, fydd yn gallu eich arwain drwy’r gwasanaethau.