Farmers throughout Wales are being urged to find out what steps they should be taking to prepare their businesses for the political and economic changes which will impact on the industry when we leave the EU, by attending the next round of Farming Connect ‘Farming for the Future’ regional roadshow events.

Farming Connect is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

Each of the evening events will feature presentations and tips from a speaker line-up that includes some of Wales’ top-performing farmers and business experts, including Farming Connect demonstration network farmers, approved mentors and agri-business consultants who will explain how to achieve greater on-farm efficiency and increased profit levels through tapping into Farming Connect’s business and technical support services. The three events will run at locations in South, Mid and North Wales from April 30 to May 3.

Also high on the agenda will be promotion of the fourth application window for the Welsh Government’s Farm Business Grant (FBG) investment scheme, open from April 30 to June 29.

The scheme, which has already received more than 1,337 applications for funding, provides a contribution of between £3,000 and £12,000 for eligible farmers. The funding can be used towards the capital outlay for around 86 specified items linked to animal health; genetics and performance; crop management; energy efficiency; resource efficiency and ICT.

All eligible farmers must apply for the FBG through Rural Payments Wales’ RPW Online service, the Welsh Government’s online portal for farm businesses. Detailed information on the scheme, eligibility criteria and the new application processes is available at http://gov.wales/topics/environmentcountryside/farmingandcountryside/cap/ruraldevelopment/wales-rural-development-programme-2014-2020/farm-business-grant-scheme/?lang=en

Attending one of the roadshows is a requirement of any individual considering applying for the grant. Farmers who have already attended a ‘Farming for the Future’ event, do not need to attend again, but are encouraged to do so.

Eirwen Williams, director or rural programs with Menter a Busnes which delivers Farming Connect on behalf of the Welsh Government, urges farmers to find out what they should realistically aim for in order to remain sustainable, efficient and profitable in the years ahead.

She said: “This is a critical time for our industry. These roadshow events provide an opportunity for all farm businesses to consider their future direction, because if they start taking steps to strengthen performance and improve on-farm efficiency now, they’ll be in a stronger position to not only grasp the new opportunities but also face the challenges that undoubtedly lie ahead.

“Farming Connect provides a comprehensive range of support services and most are either fully funded or heavily subsidised by up to 80 per cent.

“Book your place at one of these events and find out how we can help you prepare for the future.”

For dates and locations of each Farming for the Future event, visit www.gov.wales/farmingconnect. Booking in advance is essential either via the website or call the Farming Connect Service Centre on 08456 000 813.

Doors will open for mandatory signing in at 7pm, each event will begin at 7.30 and is expected to end around 9.30pm.