Agenda item

To inform Members about a new environmental grant – Ffermio Bro.

The report was presented by the Llŷn AONB Officer and Ffermio Bro representative.

It was explained that Ffermio Bro was a new environmental grant scheme aimed at helping farmers to protect nature and the environment whilst also supporting businesses and rural communities. It was noted that it had been developed by the Welsh Government, in partnership with the National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), ensuring that only the areas of these designated landscapes would be eligible for this grant. It was noted that this scheme had been scheduled for the next three years.

It was noted that these designated landscapes received funding to enable farmers to apply directly to the relevant authorities for grant support, adding that £104,000 had been allocated to the Llŷn AONB for this financial year. Attention was drawn to the fact that the funding would be allocated to projects that would benefit both nature and biodiversity such as building and restoration of stone walls, inland restoration, creating ponds and hedgerows and supporting natural flood defences, amongst other projects. It was explained that the emphasis was being placed on a clustering and collaborative element, highlighting that it was a precursor to the Sustainable Farming Scheme.

It was noted that officers had been appointed to administer this grant in the Llŷn AONB areas and Eryri National Park, reporting that small and straightforward applications would be determined by the officers independently. It was emphasised that large applications would be considered by a Panel. The members were asked to elect a representative from this Joint Committee to attend a Ffermio Bro Grants Panel which would meet approximately twice a year in Penrhyndeudraeth, noting that the representative would be required to undertake some background work into the applications received before attending the meeting.

A reminder was given of the plans that are in place to raise awareness of this grant scheme in various different ways through the Agricultural Unions, Llygad Llŷn, Sioe Nefyn and the social media, with much interest having been declared thus far. Attention was drawn to the fact that 23 applications for funding had been received in the area so far, with the deadline for submitting applications for this financial year having now ended as it was likely that the budget would be spent in light of these applications. It was reported that the majority of applications within the AONB related to building hedgerows and creating sheltered areas to protect stock, with some applications detailing water quality projects. It was noted that any project funded within this financial year needed to be completed by 1 March 2026.

During the discussion, the following observations were noted:

Pride was expressed that so many applications for funding had been received, asking whether applicants from different areas within the Llŷn AONB had declared interest. It was also asked how the number of applicants compared with other areas eligible for the grant. In response, the Ffermio Bro representative confirmed that applicants within the Llŷn AONB came from different areas in the AONB, with some areas having several applicants. It was also reported that the Llŷn AONB had received more applications for grant money than the other areas.

In response to concerns, the Ffermio Bro representative assured that the plan would neither tackle re-wilding nor intend to modify farming methods in any way. It was noted that the intention was to support farmers as they were taking the lead, emphasising that there was no focus on doing anything to their land that they did not want. It was elaborated that the grant could support farmers to develop what is already on the land and did not intend to make any new access routes. It was explained that discussions would take place with AONB and Cyngor Gwynedd officers if such matters arose to ensure that there was no double funding of projects.

            DECISION

·       To accept the report, noting the observations made during the discussion.

·       To elect Councillor Gruffydd Williams to represent the Joint Committee on the Ffermio Bro Grant Panel.