Farming

Whilst farming has crafted the landscape of the AONB, modern-day agricultural practices threaten its future. The AONB Management Plan identifies the need for more sustainable agricultural land use. Initiatives include encouragement for local grazing networks, promotion of local produce and guidelines for the use of redundant agricultural buildings.

The AONB also encourages take-up of schemes that exist to help and encourage farmers to farm for wildlife. The reform of CAP will enable farmers to pursue a more environmental agenda, at the same time giving them flexibility to take advantage of market opportunities and consumer preference. For information on the reforms, see http://www.defra.gov.uk for farming in England, and http://www.countryside.wales.gov.uk for farming in Wales.

The Wye Valley AONB also runs the annual Farming Awards which alternates between Small Farms under 100 hectares and Large Farms over 100 hectares. Each year the winning farmer wins a substantial cash prize whch is awarded at the Monmouthshire Show. Last year's winner Gareth Williams from Caplor Farm farms approx. 400 acres of combinable crops and grows 150 acres of potatoes annually; they have also established a pedigree Hereford herd.

A family farm event has been organised at Caplor Farm on Sunday June 12, as part of Open Farm Sunday a national farm awareness and environment day organised by LEAF. For further information click here.

The Farming Awards 2011 will be for farms under 100 hectares an open to all farms within the Wye Valley AONB . Download entry form here