A £40 MILLION scheme will be made available to help farmers reduce their carbon emissions, the cabinet secretary for environment and rural affairs announced yesterday.

The scheme, which will be co-financed by the Rural Development Programme, has been announced as part of the 2017-18 final budget, with the government investing £20m.

It will distribute financial support of up to £12,000, at a 40 per cent grant rate, over a four-year period, with farmers across Wales also able to invest in around 80 items linked to animal health, genetics and performance, crop management, and energy efficiency.

Environment secretary Lesley Griffiths, said: “I am delighted we are able to announce this £40m package of support to help farmers transform their businesses.

“We have worked with farming unions and other partners to identify how best to support farmers to achieve this and I would like to thank them for working so closely with us on this important initiative.

“This is undoubtedly a boost for Welsh farming at a time when there is a lot of uncertainty about what the future holds following the UK’s decision to leave the EU.

“The new support I am announcing today will be of considerable assistance as our farmers begin to consider how best to shape their businesses to thrive in a post-Brexit world.

“A focus on early and effective business planning is vitally important and support with this is available from a number of quarters including our own Farming Connect programme, the benefits of which have been enjoyed by many farmers in Wales over recent years.”

Finance secretary Mark Drakeford added: “Our 2017-18 budget provides ambition and stability in uncertain times.

“The additional funding supports our ambition for successful and sustainable rural communities and will benefit individuals, families and strengthen communities across Wales.”

The first application window is expected to open from April 2017, with further advice and guidance on how to apply to be made available on the Welsh Government website.

A vote on the final budget is scheduled to take place at the National Assembly on Tuesday.