There is no room for error and it is vital that we get this right
DURING what can only be described as a period of significant upheaval for the agricultural sector, it was pleasing to hear the announcement from the Minister for Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths MS last week that she intends to continue with the BPS until 2023, subject to receiving funding under the UK Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review. It was also great to hear the Minister confirm that the current Glastir contracts will be extended until December 2023.
The last 18 months has been difficult for us all, whether that is due to the pandemic or due to the changes imposed by Brexit, and planning for the future has been very difficult for farmers given the uncertainty we are facing, but it is excellent news that these two key interventions will provide stability and continuity to farmers here in Wales for the next two years.
We now have to wait for the upcoming Comprehensive Spending Review and look to the UK Government to provide the funding commitments required to ensure our Minister can implement her policy intentions. NFU Cymru will be using every opportunity in the coming weeks to press on the UK Government the importance of honouring their manifesto commitment to maintain the funding for agriculture for the term of this Parliament.
The stability that the BPS provides for farmers has been and continues to be crucial in underpinning high quality food production in Wales. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic I have been immensely proud of the way the agricultural industry has continued to secure the supply of safe, high quality, affordable food for all in society, and know that this will continue.
Maintaining both the BPS and Glastir Contract agreements for the next two years also give Welsh Government and policy makers time to bring forward a new Agriculture Bill for Wales, and time to properly assess and model future support policies for Wales. There is no room for error here and it is vital that we get this right. The bill and policies that are developed will define Welsh agriculture for a generation to come.
It is crucial that these policies support the industry to deliver our ambition to produce the most climate friendly food in the world, against a backdrop of an environment where our nature is thriving. They must also ensure that Welsh farming families continue to be at the heart of thriving rural communities.