‘We need progress on agri framework’
The Farmers’ Union of Wales has written to all UK agricultural ministers urging them to make progress in developing a UK framework for agriculture.
The call comes amid fears that divisions between devolved governments may be growing and that discussions remain at a relatively early stage, despite Brexit being little more than two years away.
Following consultation with members, the FUW agreed last autumn that a UK agricultural framework should be put in place “which prevents unfair competition between devolved regions and secures and protects adequate long-term funding for agriculture, while also respecting devolved powers over agriculture and the need for flexibility within that framework which allows devolved governments to make decisions which are appropriate for their regions.”
FUW head of policy Nick Fenwick said: “Since the autumn, a growing number of politicians and others have acknowledged the merits of the FUW’s position.
“However, such a framework must be discussed with stakeholders and agreed between devolved administrations and agricultural ministers, and the wider economic, environmental and social importance of agriculture to our economies make it imperative that such discussions do not become an arena for separate political battles.”
Dr Fenwick said that he welcomed First Minister Carwyn Jones’ support for mature discussions to take place in order to reach agreement on the nature of such a framework, but was concerned that statements from some quarters suggested his position was not accepted by all.
“If the devolved departments are not working closely together, that would be a real concern given that the UK Government is expected to issue a white paper on agriculture in the coming weeks and that a framework needs to be in place within just a couple of years,” he added.
Such concerns have been made clear in a letter from FUW President Glyn Roberts to ministers currently in post who are responsible for agriculture, including Defra Secretary Andrea Leadsom, Welsh Rural Affairs Secretary Lesley Griffiths and Scottish Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing.
In his letter, Mr Roberts states: “[W]e are concerned that discussions at the highest level regarding the need for and nature of such a [UK agricultural] framework are not progressing at the necessary rate, particularly given the very short period during which important decisions need to be made.
“As such, we would urge you to do all you can to work closely with your counterparts in other parts of the UK in order to progress matters at an appropriate pace, and in a manner which ensures the wellbeing of our rural communities is not compromised.”
At Plaid Cymru’s recent spring conference, the FUW stressed the importance of a UK agricultural framework that respects devolution and the important role farming plays in the rural economy.
Speaking at the main stage debate, FUW managing director Alan Davies said: “If there is an imposed agri framework, then that would be England-centric. We must get all nations to agree to a UK framework, which prevents unfair competition between devolved regions.
“Agriculture in the UK and in Wales has to be profitable and sustainable and the important role family farms play in making the wheels of the rural economy go round have to be recognised, and we must recognise that Wales is not the same as England in terms of need, product and social importance of agriculture.
“In addition, it is vital that agri support is maintained at levels which reflect those levels which would have been in place should the UK have voted to remain in EU.
“Agriculture and farming are the driving force in our rural economy and if we want to see Wales prosper outside of the EU, then that has to be recognised.”
Glyn Roberts, the FUW’s president, said it was essential that specific ring-fenced funding for agriculture is allocated to Wales outside the Barnett Formula and that this should then be administered by the Welsh Government.
He added: “We can have a prosperous future for the sector once we leave the EU and there are plenty of opportunities to be explored, but a lot of it depends on the willingness of our politicians to recognise how different farming across the devolved nations is and that they have very different requirements.
“Farming makes such valuable contributions to our economy. Managing and maintaining the countryside happens because of agriculture, that in turn brings tourism. Let’s not forget that the Welsh countryside, managed by our farmers, provides the backdrop for the tourism industry, which is worth over £2.5bn.”