Farmers in Wales are being reminded that they have only a few months left to apply for support under the Government’s environmental scheme, Glastir.


Glastir Entry is now in its third year and farmers have until the end of September to submit completed applications if they wish to be signed-up for a Glastir contract commencing on 1 January 2014.

 
"According to the Welsh Farm minister Alun Davies an additional 1,000 farmers have submitted applications to join the scheme so far this year which brings the approximate number of farmers in the entry level component of the scheme to 3200," said James Neame, assistant land agent with Oswestry-based  Davis Meade Property Consultants.


There are 251 Glastir Advanced contracts in place and the Welsh Government is expecting to achieve its target of 800 additional contracts by the end of this year.
Another selection will be made for the Advanced element of the scheme in September with a view to securing a further 800 new Glastir Advanced contracts starting in 2015.


"The government says Glastir is delivering positive outcomes and farm minister is keen to encourage farmers who have not yet done so to take a look at the scheme and see for themselves what it has to offer," James said.


"Glastir came in for quite a bit of criticism when it first came in three years ago but the scheme has been tweaked and improved so it is worth a look. The Welsh Assembly has said it is committed to maximising the potential of Glastir in the next Rural Development Plan," he explained.


Glastir pays for the delivery of specific environmental goods and services aimed at combating climate change, improving water management and maintaining and enhancing biodiversity. It is designed to deliver measurable outcomes at both a farm and landscape level in a cost effective way.

Split into five separate areas, the elements of Glastir consist of :

• Glastir Entry - a whole farm land management scheme
• Glastir Advanced - targeted to deliver specific benefits in specific areas
• Common Land Element
• Glastir Woodlands
• Glastir Efficiency Grants - aiming to  improve resource and business efficiency and reduce carbon emissions

"Recent changes to Glastir have improved both the clarity and support provided to farmers about the scheme. Glastir is now much more accessible and with recent changes requires less diary records to be kept.  Glastir offers multiple benefits for farmers and the environment alike and we recognise that the scheme is beneficial," James added.


For advice and guidance on applying for Glastir or for information on the elements of the scheme, get in touch with Davis Meade Property Consultants at Oswestry on 01691 659658 or email   Jamesneame@dmpropertyconsultants.com