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Farmers must follow these rules if they apply for payments under the Basic Payment Scheme 2024.

First published:
15 December 2023
Last updated:

Most Cross Compliance rules continue to apply as in 2023. We have updated the following Factsheets and associated sections of the Verifiable Standards. This reflects changes in requirements, good practice and to clarify wording for 2024:

  • SMR 1: water protection
    Factsheet and Verifiable Standards updated to reflect requirements applying to all land from 1 January 2024 under the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021. The changes include the requirement not to exceed a limit of 170kg of Nitrogen per hectare from all livestock manure across the whole holding, unless undertaking the Enhanced Nutrient Management approach and submitting notification to NRW by 31 March 2024

    Additional requirements will apply to all land from 1 August 2024. This is part of the agreed transition period for land not previously in a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ).​​​​​​

    Please ensure you are familiar with: 
    • the requirements 
    • how they apply to your farm business

You can find further information in 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 include requirements applying to land designated as a:

    • Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
    • proposed SSSI
    • Special Protection Area (SPA)
  • SMR 3: conservation of fauna and flora
    Factsheet updated to include links to relevant legislation and clarify requirements. Verifiable Standards amended to reference SSSIs and cover European Protected Species (wild animals)
     
  • SMR 4: food and feed law
    Factsheet and Verifiable Standards updated to clarify requirements applying to producers of raw milk
     
  • SMR 10: restrictions on the use of Plant Protection Products (PPP)
    Links to relevant guidance updated
     
  • SMR 11: welfare standards for calves
    Links to relevant guidance updated
     
  • SMR 12: welfare standards for pigs
    Links to relevant guidance updated
     
  • SMR 13: welfare standards for farmed animals
    Links to relevant guidance updated

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