Big changes are afoot to agriculture across the UK following the publication of Michael Gove’s Agricultural Bill. Under proposals, payments under the current EU’s CAP will, over a phased period, be replaced by subsidies based more on environmental protections and the production of what are called ‘public goods’ such as better air and water quality, improved soil health, access for visitors, etc. Smaller farmers may also benefit from cuts that may be made to the biggest landowners as funds saved from 2021 will be redirected into new schemes, research and development and support for smaller farms during the transition to environmental land management contracts.
In Wales proposals under the ‘Brexit and our land’ reflect much of the content in Gove’s Bill. However, Wales now has the ability to have its own bespoke scheme, which will move away from area based payments. Payment for ‘public goods’ and supporting ‘economic resilience’ are going to be key to two new schemes. What is clear is that the status quo is not an option, change is coming to our countryside following BREXIT, deal or no deal. It seems much still needs to be worked out and there is still opportunity for you to respond to the Wales Consultation. Andrew Campbell, WTA Chair said today ‘The Wales Tourism Alliance supports our farmers and is keen that our precious historic landscape is maintained as a key resource for our Visitors to Wales. Whatever the future holds, beyond the transition periods, we will continue to recognise the agricultural community and other land manager’s huge contribution to our tourism product’. The Brexit and our land consultation can be found here (closes 30th October 2018) https://beta.gov.wales/sites/default/files/consultations/2018-07/brexit-and-our-land-consultation-document_0.pdf For the UK Bill: https://services.parliament.uk/bills/2017-19/agriculture.html
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