UA4: Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
What is UA4?
UA4 requires building on existing skills and knowledge through learning on a range of subjects relevant to farming and rural business management. This Universal Action recognises that farmers are multiskilled professionals who need ongoing development to adapt to industry changes, technological developments, and evolving challenges including climate change impacts.
What do I need to do?
Main learning requirement:
Complete minimum 6 hours of learning annually
Plus mandatory health and safety training element
Learning can be shared between multiple partners/directors in the business
Complete by end of calendar year
Health and safety component:
Essential part of the CPD requirement
Helps reduce industry accident rates and improve farm safety
Can be integrated with the 6-hour learning requirement
Who needs to complete UA4?
Every farm business in the scheme must complete this Universal Action.
If there are multiple partners or directors within the business, the CPD requirement can be shared between individuals, though all are encouraged to benefit from the learning.
What evidence do I need?
Records of completed learning activities kept for 5 years
Evidence of health and safety training completion
Details available for inspection if requested
Farming Connect e-learning modules automatically recorded if used
How much does UA4 pay?
Payment for UA4 is included in the Universal Payment received for completing all applicable Universal Actions. The investment in learning supports long-term farm business resilience and performance.
Learning options include:
Farming Connect programmes:
E-learning modules (count towards UA4)
Training courses and workshops
Technical clinics and demonstrations
Study visits and farm walks
Discussion groups and network meetings
External providers:
Industry training programmes
Agricultural college courses
Professional development workshops
Conference attendance
Online learning platforms
Mentoring and coaching programmes
How can I prepare?
Review available Farming Connect e-learning modules
Identify skill development priorities for your farm business
Plan learning schedule throughout the year
Consider health and safety training needs
Explore industry training providers and programmes
Benefits of UA4
For your farm:
Adaptation to industry changes and technological developments
Enhanced skills for other scheme actions you may be less familiar with
Improved efficiency and profitability potential
Better environmental performance capabilities
Enhanced safety reducing accident risks
Increased business resilience and future-proofing
For the community:
Reduced waste and resource conservation
Improved animal health and welfare standards
Enhanced soil, habitat and woodland condition
Higher overall standards across Welsh agriculture
Safer rural working environments
Learning areas encouraged
Environmental management and habitat creation
Soil health and nutrient management
Animal health and welfare best practices
Business management and financial planning
Technology adoption and precision agriculture
Climate change adaptation and mitigation
Food safety and quality assurance
Marketing and supply chain development
Health and safety (mandatory element)
Flexibility
Share CPD requirement across business partners/directors
Mix of formal and informal learning approaches
Choice of learning providers and methods
Timing throughout the year to suit business needs
Integration with other scheme actions where relevant
Support available
Comprehensive Farming Connect programme with subsidised training
E-learning modules available online 24/7
Professional advisory services through Farming Connect
Industry networks and peer learning opportunities
Links to relevant Optional Actions based on learning interests
Connection to other Universal Actions
CPD can directly support:
UA1: Soil health management skills
UA2: IPM knowledge and techniques
UA5: Habitat management expertise
UA8: Hedgerow management practices
UA9: Woodland management skills
UA12: Animal health and welfare understanding
Sharing benefits
Encourage sharing learning throughout the farm business
Include farm employees where possible
Share with wider family members involved in farming
Contribute to knowledge transfer within local farming community
This information is provided by Farmwalk based on published government guidance. Always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK.