Welsh Farmers Get Wise on Livestock Transport and Re-couping Costs
WALES - NFU Cymru in Ceredigion has used its brain power to overcome the Animal Transport Test. It's also managed to re-coup the 375 fee for training.NFU Cymru has complained for many months about the Welsh Assembly’s translation of the new EU Directive which means every farmer in Wales will have to pass a multiple choice test on a computer (which costs approximately £50) if they want to move their animals over 65km after 5 January next year.
Now, more than 120 local farmers have passed the compulsory test and by using their heads managed to secure the training and examination for free!
Terry Downes, NFU Cymru Group Secretary in Aberystwyth said that like it or not, there is a need for farmers to sit this test and comply with the new legislation.
"I was lucky enough to find the Mid Wales & Marches Assessment Centre (MWMAC) who were able to offer training and tests at village locations for a £75 fee, but with the offer of 100 per cent funding through the Welsh Assembly Government Interreg Step Up Project, for a limited number of local applicants,” he explained.
Many farmers who sat the test had never used a laptop computer before attending the training courses which were held in Talybont, Llanilar and Llangeithio. Despite initial apprehension, the training and support given by at MWMAC meant that they were able to grasp the initiative and sit the tests.
Similar events are planned throughout the Winter and NFU Cymru is urging farmers to enrole. Unfortunately, the full reimbursement of fees is no longer available, although a 50 per cent grant is available towards the cost via LANTRA.
For further information contact Janet Rowlands at MWMAC, Tel. 01686 430360.