The development phase of the new Integrated Natural Resources Scheme (INRS) is open for applications until September 27. The Welsh Government said this new scheme will ‘enable farmers and others to work together' to improve the natural resources and 'deliver benefits to farms and rural businesses.'
The INRS forms part of a 'preparatory phase' of activities, which the Welsh Government hopes will lead to collaborative projects ready for farmers to then participate in the 'collaboration layer ' of the Sustainable Farming Scheme ( SFS).
Welsh agriculture
The INRS will provide funding for ‘implementing nature-based solutions at the appropriate scale, targeting action and interventions to enhance and sustainably manage our natural resources.'
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The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: "The scheme has been developed to focus on collaborative action - enabling farmers and land managers to do something they do very well – which is working together to deliver innovative solutions. These projects will improve our natural resources in a way which delivers benefits to farm and rural businesses, rural communities, and wider societal benefits."
Welsh Government
Mr Irranca-Davies said he was committed to supporting farmers to produce food sustainably while taking action to respond to the climate emergency.
The Welsh Government said it could include projects which 'enhance our carbon-rich soils,' such as peatlands, creating and managing woodland, implementing natural flood risk management, enhancing access and public engagement, protecting landscape and historic features.
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It could also involved asking farmers to deliver actions to 'enhance priority and semi natural habitats, improving the connectivity, scale, adaptability, or diversity of semi natural habitats and our natural features, ensuring ecosystem resilience.'
