1. Launch of exciting new initiative to boost nature ‘on your doorstep’
2. Young people with a passion for protecting the planet come together for climate conference
3. Deputy Minister discovers National Park’s culture and coastline
4. Lesley Griffiths commits to driving up welfare standards for dogs at breeding premises
5. The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020
6. Update on the Fish Export Service
7. Update on regulations on oil storage tanks in Wales
8. Applications now open for UK Seafood Innovation Fund
9. February highlights – Our top news stories
10. Scheme windows
11. Consultations
Launch of exciting new initiative to boost nature ‘on your doorstep’

The Welsh Government has launched a major new scheme which aims to empower communities to bring nature ‘to your doorstep’ and help halt and reverse the decline in nature.
In partnership with Keep Wales Tidy, over 800 pre-paid ‘Starter packages’ are being made available to communities across Wales. The packages include items like native plants and seeds, peat-free compost, tools and even bug and bee hotels.
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Starter packages will include all materials needed to create a community nature area, guidance on how to install it and Keep Wales Tidy officer time to provide advice and support.
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Read more or click here to access the Keep Wales Tidy website for more information
Young people with a passion for protecting the planet come together for climate conference

Young people came together to make a pledge to join the Welsh Government in its response to the climate emergency.
The conference built on the success of last year’s first Climate Change Wales Conference, bringing together young people with a passion for protecting our planet. Read more
Lesley Griffiths commits to driving up welfare standards for dogs at breeding premises
The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020
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We are now in a transition period; during this time, the way you do business with the EU will not change.
However, you will need to prepare and make changes to continue to do business at the end of the transition period.
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You will find all the information you need on the Preparing Wales website.
Update on the Fish Export Service
The Fish Export Service was taken offline on 21 January 2020 as it is not required during the implementation period, which started when the UK left the European Union (EU) on 31 January, and ends on 31 December 2020.
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The service was originally developed to produce Catch Certificates, Processing Statements and Storage Documents to enable export of fishery products to the EU in the event of a no deal exit.
However, while the future partnership with the EU is negotiated, trading arrangements with the EU during the implementation period will continue as they were prior to exit. Read more
Update to regulations on oil storage tanks in Wales
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The final stage of our Oil Storage Regulations come into force on
15 March 2020. The regulations to protect the environment and properties as a result of spills from oil storage containers came into force in Wales from 15 March 2016 and will be extended to all tanks from 15 March 2020.
Read more
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UK Seafood Innovation Fund
Applications Now Open!
The UK Seafood Innovation Fund is now accepting applications for its second open call, with funding pots of up to £50k for scoping studies and up to £250k for full R&D projects available.
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With 27 projects funded in 2019, including initiatives using robotics, AI, fishing gear innovations, biomedical advances and more, the fund is now seeking a new tranche of applicants with plans to transform the future landscape for seafood supply. The fund encourages bids from experts in the fishing, aquaculture, and seafood processing sectors.
Visit http://www.seafoodinnovation.fund to find out more about the fund and how to apply.

February highlights – Our top news stories
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The Welsh Government wants your views on its plans to make Wales the world’s top recycling nation and help us become a truly circular economy, at a series of Beyond Recycling Consultation Events across Wales. Read more
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Minister welcomes additional funding to promote Welsh red meat
Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths, has welcomed confirmation the Britain-wide Red Meat Levy Ring-fenced Fund will increase from £2million to £3.5million next year, after agreement was reached between the Red Meat Levy boards in Wales, Scotland and England.
Read more
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A multi-million pound emergency fund to deal with the immediate impact of Storm Dennis and Storm Ciara has been announced by First Minister Mark Drakeford.
Read more
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Scheme windows
Micro Small Business Fund (MSBF)
The Micro Small Business Fund (MSBF) is an investment fund for projects in the tourism sector in Wales. It can be used either to upgrade existing or create new high quality products.
Farm Business Grant
The 7th expression of interest window for the Farm Business Grant (FBG) opened on 2 March 2020.
Enabling Natural Resources and Well-being (ENRaW) Scheme
Expression of Interest Window now open until 13 March 2020
Consultations
Circular economy strategy
Air quality and soundscape: review of TAN 11
Code of Practice for the Welfare of Pigs
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