The Welsh government has launched a new financing system for farmers who work in national parks and national landscapes (formerly areas with outstanding natural beauty – Aonbs).
The scheme of 1.8 million pounds 'Ffermio Bro' (agriculture in designated landscapes) will provide practical support and committed funds for projects that support nature in order to recover and thrive.
According to the Welsh government, the new program in cooperation between farmers and local authorities who are responsible for their unique natural, cultural and landscape qualities will promote nature -friendly agricultural practices in cooperation between farmers and local authorities.
The program was officially launched this week by the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary with responsibility for rural affairs, Huw Iranca-Davies, during a visit to the Mismend Farm in the Wye Valley.
The tenants of the farm are already working closely with the national landscape and nature conservation organizations of Wye Valley to manage the country for wild animals and for cattle.
National parks
During his visit, Iranca-Davies said: “Our national parks and national landscapes are really special and unique.
“While our landscape bodies are responsible for taking care of these valuable areas, our farmers know the best and work best in them.
“That is why Ffermio Bro is able to deliver larger and better projects in our landscapes, since an approach is required for the entire forest to combat nature.
“This program will support farmers to work together and to thrive nature in addition to the sustainable production of food in our best landscapes.
The deputy first minister also said that Ffermio Bro will help inform the collaborative layer about the sustainable agricultural program in order to “aim at collaborative financing in the future”.
According to the Welsh government, Ffermio Bro will support the delivery of its commitment to protect 30% land, fresh water and seas for nature by 2030 (30Bby30) by supporting a wide range of collaborative projects such as:
- Planting forests with low density such as FFRIDD;
- Measures to improve rivers and wetlands;
- Fences and activities to facilitate grazing and improving highland reasons;
- Create haywies;
- Reduction of carbon emissions to farms;
- Improvement and promotion of access routes and permissible paths;
- Moor ends improved;
- Protection of traditional landscape characteristics such as hedges.
The first projects are expected to begin this summer, with the majority being delivered between September 2025 and January 2026, the government outlined.
Funding will not only enable activities at farms, but also a cohort of Ffermio Bro Advisors, which are located in the landscape authorities who work closely with farmers to deliver successful collaborative projects and to provide them with other available support.
Irranca-Davies added: “We know which interventions of nature benefit, but places and national parks are also about culture, traditions and offer wonderful experiences for the broader community.
“The repair of stone walls and slate fences, the improvement of paths for hikers and other users and the support of historical features on our farms have a great influence to discover, enjoy, enjoy, enjoy the locals and visitors alike.”