Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, is urging farmers to apply for support through a new project to improve the health of herds and boost the future sustainability of the dairy industry.
The new HerdAdvance project is part of the Welsh Government’s £6.5 million Dairy Improvement Programme, funded through the Rural Development Programme.
Speaking at yesterday’s Dairy Show in Carmarthen, Griffiths said support will be available for dairy farmers to improve the performance of their business by better cattle health and welfare, through working with their vet to deliver cattle health action planning.
The new project, delivered by the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) Dairy, will provide financial and technical assistance on herd health management and disease control.
Dairy farmers are able to submit expressions of interest in the first window of applications until November 30.
Improving dairy sustainability
Griffiths said: “Brexit means we have the opportunity to do things differently but there will also be many challenges.
“As a Government, we are doing all we can to support the industry prepare for Brexit and the challenges it will bring. The need to prepare for a post-Brexit world has never been more essential.
“Earlier this year, I announced £6.5 million for AHDB Dairy to deliver our Dairy Improvement Programme, which aims to improve the profitability, sustainability and resilience of the industry.
Dairy farmers will now be able to apply for support to help improve the health of their herds and the profitability of their businesses.
“I encourage dairy farmers to make use of this invaluable support and to submit their expressions of interest by November 30.
“I look forward to opening this year’s dairy show and am confident the dairy industry in Wales has a very bright future.”
Welcoming the new HerdAdvance project, Prof. Christianne Glossop, the chief veterinary officer for Wales said: “Ensuring optimal animal health and welfare is key to the success of livestock businesses, and is one of main goals of the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework.
“AHDB’s initiative will help dairy farmers and their vet embed cattle health planning in the business. I would urge all dairy farmers in Wales to consider, with their vet, whether they can make use of this important new opportunity.”
