Most Cross Compliance rules in Wales continue to apply as in 2024, but there are some changes in requirements, good practice and clarification of wording for 2025. Farmers must follow these rules if they apply for payments under the Basic Payment Scheme.
Short-term amendments to penalties
Following an announcement by the Welsh Government towards the end of last year, short-term amendments have been made to the cross-compliance penalties related to the new CoAPR regulations introduced from 1st August 2024.
The revised cross compliance verifiable standards include proportionate penalties where full assessments of records can be made and where technical non-compliances do not present a pollution risk. Penalties will also be reduced for those who have undertaken reasonable steps to meet the new storage requirements, but which are not currently compliant up until 1st August 2025.
This offers a lifeline for the many farming businesses that have applied for infrastructure grant support, and the plethora of others that continue to face other challenges, such as delays in planning applications and the availability of building contractors.
Changes for 2025
The following Factsheets and associated sections of the Verifiable Standards have been updated to reflect the changes:
SMR1: water protection
Factsheet and verifiable standards have been updated to confirm that the Enhanced Nutrient Management approach is not available for 2025.
There have also been changes to the breach severity classification for breaches A2, A9, B1, B3, B6, B7, B8 and C3 where full assessments of records can be made and where technical non-compliances do not present a pollution risk.
You can find further information on all requirements: The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021: guidance for farmers and land managers.
SMR 2: wild birds
Factsheet and verifiable standards updated to clarify requirements on:
- The killing of wild birds
- Damage to their nests, and
- Taking eggs
SMR 3: conservation of fauna and flora
Factsheet and verifiable standards updated to clarify definition of ‘nationally protected species’
SMR 4: food and feed law
Factsheet and verifiable standards updated to cover post movement TB testing requirements
SMR 7: cattle identification and registration
Factsheet and verifiable standards updated to remove requirement for export tag
SMR 8: sheep and goat identification and registration
Factsheet and verifiable standards updated to remove requirement for export tag
SMR 11: welfare standards for calves
Factsheet and verifiable standards updated to clarify requirements on pens
SMR 12: welfare standards for pigs
Factsheet and verifiable standards updated to clarify requirements on access to:
- Manipulable material, and
- Fresh drinking water
SMR 13: welfare standards for farmed animals
Factsheet and verifiable standards updated to clarify requirements concerning:
- Mutilations and permitted procedures
- Mortality records, and
- Protection from adverse weather and predators
Inspection-ready documentation
As agricultural compliance specialists, our team of agricultural compliance specialists are here to guide farmers and landowners through the legislation and provide inspection-ready documentation. Our services include:
- Risk Maps
- Nutrient Management Plans
- Manure Import/Export Records
- Whole Farm Loading Calculations (170kg/ha N limit)
- Slurry Storage & Production Calculations
- Crop Nitrogen Limit Calculations (NMax)
- Advice on farmyard compliance
Help and advice
For further help and advice please contact our Agricultural Compliance team on 01981 590514.