Consultation on Welsh rural economy post EU withdrawal

The Welsh Government is seeking responses to a consultation on Sustainable Farming and our Land: Proposals to continue and simplify Agricultural Support for Farmers and the Rural Economy.

The consultation closes on 23^rd October 2020 and proposes a regulatory basis for the government to continue to support farmers, land managers and the wider rural economy after the Withdrawal Agreement Implementation Period which is due to end on 31 December 2020.

The Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths said, “This consultation is concerned with simplifying the current CAP regulations, until the Welsh Government’s plans for the future of agriculture and the rural economy are delivered through a White Paper and introduction of an Agriculture (Wales) Bill in the next Senedd term.

“The proposals establish a simpler interim framework which will support the competitiveness of farming and food production, whilst responding to the climate emergency, reversing biodiversity decline, ensuring high standards of animal health and welfare and protecting our natural resources.”

Reflecting on the proposals, Rhian Howells, Senior Surveyor with Cooke & Arkwright’s Land Agency said, “The document gives us a useful insight into the Welsh Government’s direction of travel when it comes to future policies for agricultural support.

“These are interim measures, commencing in scheme year 2021, and still operating within the old BPS structure. However, the document’s emphasis is already very much on (1) sustainable land management principles, and (2) tailoring support to suit the specific requirements of Welsh agriculture.

“One example is the proposed simplified ‘Greening’ element of the BPS scheme which in recent years has been regarded as less effective for achieving environmental improvements in Wales, where the vast majority of farmland is already based upon managed permanent pasture. It has therefore presented an opportunity for slimming down and reducing some of the red tape.

“It is hoped that the Welsh Government will use this transitional period to their benefit, in creating a new and simplified support model which suits modern Welsh farming practices and provides stability, whilst encouraging environmental improvements to our landscape and climate.”