Wales' Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones has announced that 2,904 farmers in Wales have applied to join the Welsh Assembly Government's new sustainable land management scheme Glastir, in its first year. Farmers intending to join the All-Wales Element of Glastir in 2012 were asked to apply by 22nd November 2010.

Elin Jones said: "My officials will now be analysing the applications in terms of location, participation in existing agri-environment schemes and Tir Mynydd, sector background, options selected and the hectares covered. I intend to make this work publicly available.

"From the outset I have been clear that the detail within the All-Wales Element needed to provide sufficient flexibility to reflect changing circumstances. It is important that we aim to continually improve the implementation of Glastir based on experience. I am therefore putting in place arrangements for an independent review panel to consider the practicalities of on-farm implementation of the options under the All-Wales Element of Glastir and make recommendations for the future."

"In the event that the scheme is refined following the review panel's recommendations, those who have applied and entered into a Glastir contract for 2012 would have the option to modify their contracts.

"I will announce further details before Christmas."

Applications received will now be examined to assess their eligibility. In the early part of next year, applicants will be invited for one-to-one discussions at Welsh Assembly Government Divisional Offices to complete the negotiation process for a formal contract to enter Glastir in 2012.

For further information on Glastir, please see www.wales.gov.uk/glastir