Due to start on 1 January next year, the version of the SFS currently being considered includes the requirement to complete a minimum of six hours of learning, plus an element of Health & Safety, every year, for each business.
Well-known Pembrokeshire dairy farmer Stephen James, FRAgS of Gelliolau, Clynderwen says this is a positive step forward for Welsh farming. Mr James welcomed the Welsh Government’s response to the last SFS consultation, which resulted in a decision to make the training requirement more flexible and inclusive by including short courses, online training modules, attendance at demonstration days, discussion groups and other knowledge transfer activities eligible for CPD.
Committing to learning will help equip farmers and all those working in the land-based industries with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive and prosper in today’s rapidly changing rural landscape,
Says Mr James, who was recently awarded Lantra Cymru’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
Most professions insist on some level of CPD and this approach will benefit Welsh agriculture significantly, helping farmers to stay viable, resilient and competitive.
Whatever age we are and however experienced we might be, the onus is on us as an industry to have the mindset that embraces personal development, which in turn leads to business development.
Working together will create a professional, efficient and sustainable sector
Welsh Government provides a wealth of support for rural businesses and thanks to organisations including Farming Connect, Lantra Cymru, our levy boards and others, the industry is working collaboratively to create a more professional, efficient and sustainable farming sector that can adapt to changing policies and market demands while achieving the highest standards of environmental stewardship.
If we fail to take advantage of all this support and don’t learn about innovation, invest in new technologies, adopt best practice and find more efficient, cost-effective ways of sustainable land, livestock and business management, we risk losing out in today’s evolving markets.
To safeguard the future of family farms for future generations, we need to focus on farming sustainably and comply with regulations, alongside working towards stronger business performance and achieving optimum productivity levels,
Said Mr. James.
Finding solutions to challenges
Mr James, a well-known and well-respected rural figurehead, combines hands-on regenerative farming at the 600-acre family dairy farm he runs in partnership with his son Daniel, alongside numerous public-facing roles. A passionate advocate for young and new entrants, Mr James has been at the forefront of rural affairs in Wales for over 40 years. Chair of the Wales Animal Health & Welfare Framework since 2018, he is a past president of the NFU Cymru, remains closely associated with Wales YFC and has served with numerous agricultural organisations, not only within Wales but internationally. He has advised both the Welsh and UK Governments, former European Commission bodies and remains a vocal and influential figure within many of agriculture’s key stakeholder organisations, including through his longstanding membership of the Farming Connect Programme Board.
We all recognise that our industry is under pressure. Climate and nature emergencies, market pressures, changing consumer demands and the requirement for sustainable land management which protects the environment, present us all with daily challenges.
If we stay informed, we stay prepared, we stay adaptable and resilient,” said Mr James who emphasised that it is the responsibility of all those working in the land-based sectors to take full advantage of the wealth of support, guidance, events and training that’s available.
The level of support available in Wales is the envy of many other farming nations and it’s essential we make full use of this.
Stay informed, prepared and adaptable
The transition to the Welsh Government’s proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) heralds change but brings new opportunities too and will transform the way we manage our land, our livestock and our businesses for the better across all sectors, combining sustainable land management with profitability.
As environmental custodians, it is our responsibility to professionalise and modernise the industry, to protect what we have for the next generation - upskilling must be a key component of this,
Said Mr. James.
Eligible farmers registered with Farming Connect can access a range of fully-funded or subsidised training options including face-to-face accredited courses, e-learning modules and knowledge transfer options from key industry experts including Animal Health & Welfare training workshops, all eligible for CPD.
For further information on Farming Connect’s skills, training and knowledge transfer provision, click here or contact your local development officer