Latest news with #ArwainDGC
Business News Wales
20-06-2025
- Health
- Business News Wales
Wales Takes a Leading Role in Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance
In the work we're doing to reduce antimicrobial resistance in animal health, Wales is becoming a country that others want to learn from. As Head of Animal Health Services at Mentera, I've had the opportunity to speak to vets, farmers, policymakers and researchers around the world about this challenge, and I am proud to say that we are punching well above our weight. Antimicrobial resistance is not a local problem. It is a global 'One Heath' challenge, facing animals and humans. And it's not going away. This is why programmes like Arwain DGC, which Mentera leads alongside our partners, matter so much. Our aim is simple: to keep antibiotics working. We are doing that by promoting responsible use of antibiotics, improving understanding of how resistance spreads, and encouraging innovation and behaviour change across farming and veterinary communities. We are also listening and learning. I've been fortunate to visit or work on farms in countries including Zimbabwe, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, and most recently spoke at a conference in Australia on this subject. These experiences reinforce just how important it is to step outside your own system and hear what others are doing. In many ways, we're facing the same challenge, but the solutions can look very different, and that's where the learning begins. What has stood out for me, time and again, is the power of collaboration. In some countries, approaches to antimicrobial resistance remain fragmented. Different institutions or industry bodies try to act in isolation. One of the reasons Wales is drawing attention internationally is that we are doing things differently. We have put collaboration at the centre of our work. Arwain DGC brings together vets, farmers, researchers, universities, industry and government. We don't pretend this is easy, but by building trust and ensuring there is a shared understanding of the challenge, we've seen some outstanding results. Other countries have come to us and asked how we've managed to coordinate efforts in this way. Recent conversations with colleagues in Australia, Northern Ireland and Scotland all suggest that the joined-up nature of our programme is something they are keen to learn from. Another factor is our voluntary approach. This is not a top-down system. We haven't forced change through regulation. Instead, we've encouraged it through trust, openness and support. Farmers and vets have come on board because they believe in the goal. And that, in turn, has led to high levels of engagement and good representation from all partners. We are also seeing real results. Thanks to our network of 12 proof-of-concept farms across Wales, we've been able to trial technologies sourced from across the world, from AI tools to motion sensors and automated footbath systems. These trials have shown reductions in antibiotic use ranging from 17% to 92%, with an average of 46%. That's a huge step forward. And importantly, these reductions have gone hand in hand with improvements in productivity and animal health. Data is another area where our approach is attracting attention. We have captured information on antimicrobial use from thousands of farms, and we're using that data to inform decision-making. In a complex area like this, it's not just about having the technology – it's about using it well. Gathering data is only half the job. Making it useful is where the real value lies. That's why we're supporting study tours and international exchanges. Most recently, we have been planning a study visit to the Netherlands, where they have adopted a more regulatory route, with strict bans and restrictions on certain antibiotics. There is a lot we can learn from how Dutch farmers and vets have responded. But equally, our voluntary approach is one that we can share with them. This reciprocal learning is at the heart of what we're doing. We are drawing on global best practice, but we're also being recognised for the expertise that exists here in Wales. The Arwain DGC programme is being talked about internationally, and rightly so. Ultimately, this is about doing things that work. We want Welsh farmers and vets to produce high-quality food for markets here and abroad. That means meeting animal health regulations and ensuring our practices stand up to scrutiny. Our lamb, for example, is sold across Europe, and the choices we make on farm in Wales have a direct impact on our ability to access and maintain those markets. This is a long-term challenge, but we are making progress. With the right combination of technology, collaboration and continued learning, I believe we can continue to lead and continue to learn in the global effort to tackle antimicrobial resistance.
Business News Wales
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
International Collaboration Can Create a More Resilient Welsh Economy
We often talk in Wales about the strength of our communities, the innovation of our businesses and the richness of our culture. These are assets we should be proud of. But pride alone won't drive economic resilience or business growth. That comes from learning, adapting and being open to new ideas, wherever they may come from. At Mentera, we believe that progress is best achieved by listening to others as well as ourselves. Wales has never held a monopoly on good ideas, and it never will. But we do have a strong culture of sharing, collaborating and being curious, and these are qualities that stand us in good stead in an increasingly interconnected world. Our work takes us across Wales and, increasingly, across borders. We've experienced the value of study exchanges, field visits and collaboration between regions. These are not just learning opportunities for individuals; they have the potential to reshape how we approach key issues at a national level. Wales isn't just learning from others; it's also a source of international expertise. For instance, our work in farming and animal health has gained global recognition, with staff invited to speak at events in Australia and Austria. Our Arwain DGC programme, focused on responsible antimicrobial use, was presented at a conference in Australia, while Farming Connect's research on soil carbon has been shared in Belfast. Furthermore, their work on farm succession has been discussed at the Oxford Real Farming Conference, and their expertise in antimicrobial stewardship was highlighted in Austria. These invitations underscore Wales' valuable contributions to international knowledge sharing and innovation. A recent example is the visit to the Basque Country by the ARFOR programme. This was a focused exercise to understand how another small nation is navigating the complex links between language, identity and the economy. The Basque Country has taken bold steps to ensure the future of its language, including through innovation, entrepreneurship and public policy. There are parallels with Wales, but also notable differences. And it is in those differences that some of the most useful lessons can be found. The value of that visit lies not only in what was learned during the week but in what follows. The conversations that continue, the partnerships that develop and the decisions we make back home that are shaped by what we saw. It's this type of exchange that pushes us to question how we do things in Wales and that can only be healthy. These links work both ways. Wales is not just a recipient of international best practice; it is also a contributor. In areas such as sustainability, skills and education, Wales has developed models and approaches that are now informing thinking in other parts of the world. We have something to offer, and we should be confident in sharing it. That's especially important when it comes to policy development. Whether we're talking about public services, energy, workforce skills or regional development, Wales is facing many of the same challenges as other nations. It makes little sense to try to solve them in isolation. By learning from other countries and adapting their ideas to suit our context, we avoid starting from scratch and make better use of our resources. What we're aiming to do at Mentera is create the conditions for that learning to happen more often and in a more structured way. That means making space for reflection, for sharing knowledge, and for testing out new ideas. It also means making sure the learning doesn't stay with the people who go on the trips, but is shared more widely so that it can inform programmes and policies. There's a particular opportunity here for small nations and regions. We can be agile in the way we learn and apply knowledge. Our size allows us to make connections more easily and to trial new approaches more quickly. But we still need to make those connections in the first place. That's why international collaboration matters. And it's not always about going far. Sometimes the most valuable insights come from those with similar challenges, similar ambitions and similar constraints. The fact that Wales and the Basque Country are both minority language nations added a richness to the recent exchange. There was a shared understanding of the role language plays in economic identity, and a mutual respect for the journey each nation is on. Our hope is that these kinds of collaborations will become more commonplace. We want to see more Welsh businesses looking outward, more community leaders engaging with their peers internationally, and more policymakers drawing on a wider evidence base. This isn't about copying what others do. It's about learning from them, adapting it for our own context, and sharing what we've learned in return. Wales has plenty of strengths but if we want to make the most of them, we have to stay open. Open to new ideas, open to challenge, and open to learning from beyond our borders. That's what will help us compete, thrive and build an economy that's resilient, inclusive and forward-looking.
Business News Wales
11-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Programme to Tackle Antibiotic Resistance Wins Awards
Arwain DGC's pioneering work to reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in livestock and the environment in Wales has been recognised at an international awards presentation. The Antibiotic Guardian 2024/25 Shared Learning & Awards champions organisations and individuals who have 'demonstrated achievements in tackling antimicrobial resistance at a local, regional, or national level'. Arwain DGC (Defnydd Gwrthficrobaidd Cyfrifol / Responsible Antimicrobial Use) is a Welsh Government-funded programme led by Mentera, dedicated to preventing antibiotic resistance in animals and the environment by supporting farmers and vets through data-driven decisions, innovative technologies, and best practices. Arwain DGC was shortlisted in three categories at the Antibiotic Guardian event in Birmingham – 'Animal Health, Agriculture & Food Supply', 'Innovation and Technology', and 'Public Engagement'. Arwain DGC was named overall winner in two categories 'Animal Health, Agriculture & Food Supply' and 'Innovation and Technology'. The programme's work in creating a coordinated approach to AMR for livestock and the environment in Wales earned Arwain DGC its award in the 'Animal Health, Agriculture & Food Supply' category. The 'Innovation and Technology' category award recognised Arwain's work with project partner Welsh Lamb and Beef Producers to produce an antimicrobial use (AMU) calculator, which has yielded vital data on antibiotic use on farms in Wales. While the nomination in the 'Public Engagement' category was for Arwain's participation in the 'One Wales, One Health' campaign – a partnership between Public Health Wales, Arwain DGC, and primary and secondary care organisations throughout Wales Dewi Hughes, Mentera Animal Health Services Manager and Arwain DGC programme manager, said: 'We are absolutely delighted and incredibly proud that Arwain DGC's work has been recognised alongside such strong entries from both the animal and human health fields. This recognition demonstrates how integral reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is for One Health. 'These awards reflect the commitment and skill of Arwain DGC's programme partners across the agricultural industry and academia and demonstrate the work they have undertaken to challenge AMR in livestock and the environment in Wales. 'We would like to thank all the farmers and vets who are involved in Arwain DGC, without whom we wouldn't be able to do what we do.' Iestyn Tudur-Jones representing Welsh Lamb & Beef Producers Ltd, which is a partner in the Arwain DGC programme, said: 'We are absolutely delighted and incredibly proud that the commitment and dedication that Welsh farmers working with their vets to evidence their antibiotic usage by utilizing technology has been recognised among such strong entries from both the animal and human sectors – Welsh Lamb & Beef Producers farmer members through the Farm Assured Welsh Livestock scheme working in conjunction with their vets are leading the UK and Europe in evidencing the use of antibiotics responsibly. 'Not only does this demonstrate the work they have undertaken to challenge AMR in livestock and the environment in Wales but it goes a long way to evidence and underpin the production credentials of our livestock sector in Wales. A true team effort – with farmers taking responsibility and being supported by industry partners and government.' AMR is classed as a global 'One Health' challenge, and there are calls for urgent multisectoral action. AMR has been described by The World Health Organisation as an issue where 'without urgent action, we are heading for a post-antibiotic era, in which common infections and minor injuries can once again kill'. Launched in 2014, the One Health Antibiotic Guardian Campaign started as an online action-based pledge system to increase engagement in tackling AMR through improving knowledge and changing behaviour across human and animal health. Previous award winners have included UK and multinational companies and organisations. Arwain DGC's goal is to continue positioning Wales as a global leader in the fight against AMR by nurturing collaboration, promoting innovation, and sharing knowledge to ensure that antibiotics remain effective for animal and human health for future generations. Working with farmers, veterinarians, researchers, and industry experts, Arwain DGC implements a comprehensive, coordinated approach to reducing AMR. Activities include the promotion of antimicrobial stewardship, technological innovation, antimicrobial use monitoring, AMR surveillance, and knowledge exchange.
Business News Wales
28-05-2025
- Health
- Business News Wales
Nominations Open for 2025 Arwain DGC Vet & Farmer Awards
George Tomlinson Nominations are open for the 2025 Arwain DGC Vet & Farmer Awards – accolades that recognise positive action to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in livestock and the environment in Wales. The annual awards celebrate the achievements of livestock vets and livestock farmers in reducing the need to use antibiotics and taking steps to improve animal health. This year, there are three award categories: Livestock Vet, Livestock Farmer, and a new Livestock Veterinary Practice category. The closing date for nominations is June 30th, and the winners will be announced in July at the Royal Welsh Show in Llanelwedd. Arwain DGC is an award-winning Welsh Government-funded programme dedicated to preventing antibiotic resistance in animals and the environment. It supports farmers and vets through data-driven decisions, innovative technologies, and best practices. Dewi Hughes, Arwain DGC's programme manager, said: 'Our goal is to continue positioning Wales as a global leader in the fight against AMR, by nurturing collaboration, promoting innovation, and sharing knowledge, to ensure that antibiotics remain effective for animal and human health for future generations. 'However, this crucial work cannot be done without vets and farmers' ongoing support and commitment. Therefore, it is only right that their efforts and achievements are publicly recognised. So, I'd urge people to nominate individuals and veterinary practices playing their part to safeguard all our health and give them the recognition they deserve.' Dr Joe Angell Recipient of last year's Livestock Vet award, Dr Joe Angell of Wern Vets Cyf said: 'Arwain DGC as a project has greatly impacted reducing antimicrobial use in Wales and refining responsible use in the agricultural sector, and its impact has been felt beyond Wales. 'Part of the initiative is recognising those who have made a significant contribution to reducing antimicrobial use or improving the way antimicrobials are used in their specific field or area of work. 'For vets, it is recognised that actually improving responsible use and responsible prescribing is very much part of the responsibilities of all within the practice team, and it is really encouraging to see that at this year's awards, practice teams as a whole will be recognised. 'I'd urge anyone who knows of a particular individual, or veterinary practice, who has made an impact in their area of work, to nominate them to be considered for one of these awards, so that their work and its impact are recognised.' Livestock Farmer 2024 award-winner, Wrexham organic dairy farmer George Tomlinson said: 'Farmers and vets do a great job in working together to ensure the highest welfare for our animals. 'But we often don't think enough about our own health, and AMR is something that affects people and livestock. Awards like this are a great way to give people the recognition that they're doing a good job for everyone.' To nominate a vet, veterinary practice or livestock farmer, please visit here.
Business News Wales
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Digital Infrastructure Event Showcases Connectivity Progress in Swansea Bay City Region
An event hosted by Swansea Bay City Deal's Digital Infrastructure Programme aimed to draw attention to the transformative potential of digital infrastructure in the region. The event that took place in Parc y Scarlets stadium, Llanelli as well as being live streamed online, brought together industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders to discuss the advancements in digital connectivity and innovation taking place, along with the challenges and many opportunities that being better connected brings. Attendees were provided with a comprehensive overview of the programme, which is in full delivery across all three workstreams, highlighting its critical role in driving economic growth and social inclusion across the region. Experts delved into topics such as 5G deployment, rural connectivity, and the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, offering valuable insights and practical solutions to further strengthen the region's digital ecosystem. Rhys Jones from Arwain DGC said: 'Being involved in this event has been important for gaining insights into the challenges faced to improve network connectivity across this region. 'Additionally, the golden thread which was voiced by everyone involved, is indicative of the proactive approach that the Digital Infrastructure Programme takes, which is collaboration for success. 'Personally, being able to share and discuss the levels of innovation on Welsh farms, hopefully inspired all the attendees in the room and online.' Prominent figures from the digital and technology sectors shared their visions for the future, emphasising the importance of robust digital infrastructure in fostering innovation and competitiveness. Richard Williams, Head of Acquisitions at Ontix, said: 'We know that digital connectivity has fundamentally changed our world forever but making sure we can maximise its potential in order to improve real people's lives needs creativity, visionary thinking and strong leadership. 'The fantastic work that The Swansea Bay City Deal region is doing to embrace and unlock the opportunities presented by better connectivity for South West Wales demonstrates all of those qualities, and Ontix look forward to continuing to work with colleagues to help deliver better 4G and 5G connectivity across the area.' Cllr, Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council and Chair of the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee, said: 'The resounding success of the event underscores the vital role of digital infrastructure in our future and as a region we are committed to ensuring that everyone benefits from these advancements. 'The digital infrastructure programme is not just about technology – it's about creating opportunities and improving lives. 'The event highlighted the incredible progress we've made so far as well as the continued collaborative work needed to maximise the exciting opportunities ahead.'
