This Week's Top News Bites

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Welsh Assembly Committee Report on the UK Agriculture Bill

Following the evidence provided by TFA Cymru to the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee of the Welsh Assembly as part of its Inquiry into the UK Agriculture Bill, its final report has now been produced. Click here to read it in full. The report draws heavily on the evidence provided by TFA Cymru and forms a useful platform for further discussions with the Welsh Government, on both the Agriculture Bill itself and subsequent "made in Wales" legislation for new agricultural policy in the post Brexit era.

The Crown Estate Gives TFA a Platform to Talk about Succession

TFA Chief Executive, George Dunn, was invited by the Crown Estate to provide an article on farm tenancy succession planning for the Crown Estate’s rural newsletter. Click here to read the newsletter in full. George’s article can be read on page 4.

Report Stage for the Agriculture Bill Expected Soon

Following the completion of the Committee Stage of the Agriculture Bill in the House of Commons, it is expected to proceed to Report Stage in the House of Commons shortly, before heading to the House of Lords. The TFA has prepared a briefing for MPs at Report Stage which TFA members can read by clicking here. We are also pleased that David Drew MP, Shadow Agriculture Minister, has tabled one of the TFA's amendments. Click here to read the amendment (NC 15) on page 11 of the Notice of Amendments tabled on 02 January. The TFA is in further discussions with other MPs and the Government about its other proposed amendments.

RPA Payment Latest

The TFA continue to be frustrated with RPA's lack of updates since the new year, regarding payment progress for Countryside Stewardship, Environmental Stewardship and BPS. If you need to discuss your payment status, please contact Lynette Steel at the TFA Head Office on 0118 930 6130 or advice2@tfa.org.uk.

Changes to TB Compensation Payments in England

Following a review of the strategy for achieving official TB free status for England, DEFRA has adopted recommendations to the way that compensation funding is used to incentivise on-farm practices to reduce disease risks. These changes, which came into effect from 01 November 2018, are aimed at reducing the number of unclean cattle sent for compulsory slaughter and reducing the number of cattle brought into a TB breakdown herd and subsequently removed for TB control purposes. To find out more about these changes, please visit the TB hub by clicking here.

Fund to Eradicate Sheep Scab in Wales Announced

The Welsh Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, has announced that £5m of Rural Development Programme funding is to be made available to help eradicate sheep scab in Wales. A news release is available by clicking on the Welsh Government website.

Events Coming Up

January 2019 - Understanding Welsh Agricultural Tenancy Legislation with Farming Connect

With tenancy agreements often containing restrictive clauses and tenancy legislation also raising some difficult issues. These events will allow tenant farmers to learn more about their tenancy agreements and, the statutory framework which governs them to assist in overcoming barriers to allowing farm businesses to grow and take full advantage of the opportunities which lie ahead.

After successful evenings at the Carmarthen Ivy Bush Hotel on 04 Jan, and Llandrindod Llanddewi Village Hall last night, the final Tenant Farmer Forum will be held on 28 Jan at Llanrwst Glasdir, Conwy, LL26 0DF, starting at 7:30pm. To book, click here for details.

Speakers:
George Dunn, Chief Executive, Tenant Farmers Association of England and Wales
Manon Williams, Associate Solicitor, Agri Advisor Solicitors
Elaine Rees Jones, Agrisgôp Leader

TFA Spring Regional Roadshow 2019 - Register Now to Attend

The TFA prepares to kick off its regional Spring Roadshow next week, in our East Midlands area, at the Urban Hotel near Grantham, NG31 7XT on Wednesday 16th January at 7:30pm.

Further regions to be visited include:
17 Jan - East- Quy Mill Hotel near Cambridge, CB25 9AF
21 Jan - North East - Tyndale Farmers Suite, Tyne Green, Hexham
22 Jan - North West- J36 Rural Auction Centre, near Crooklands
4 Feb - South West - Arundell Arms, Lifton, PL16 0AA
5 Feb - Wessex - Sparkford Inn, near Yeovil, BA22 7JH
12 Feb - South East - Reigate Hill Golf Club, Gatton Bottom, RH2 0TU

All meetings are open to both members and non-members and are kindly sponsored by Barclays.

If you are interested in attending, please contact Julia Meadows at the TFA’s Head Office on 0118 930 6130 or email events@tfa.org.uk. Further details on speakers and venues can be found by clicking here.