Farming sector must embrace the inevitable changes ahead

The case for change in farming is overwhelming, as Cabinet Secretary Lesley Griffiths stated while launching the Welsh Government’s Brexit and Our Land consultation.

However, while Brexit may be the catalyst for this change, it is not the only driver for change.

The consultation sets out an ambitious vision for future land-use policy in Wales, rightly recognises the need for change and explores some of the potential new markets for farmers and land managers.

Yet this represents only one side of the coin. It is important to reflect how the farming and land-use sector meets the demands of a changing society.

Understanding that our marketplace is also changing is essential. As the consultation sets out, society and politicians want more from their investment in rural Wales No longer will selling to the farm gate alone offer the returns needed to keep businesses profitable and productive and our rural communities vibrant.

CLA Cymru is clear that there is a strong case for supporting the landbased sector. However, we understand that this is in the context of tight and contracting public funds, and that any support must be justified and offer return on investment.

Society’s relationship with food is also changing. The rise of veganism, so-called flexitarianism, time-poor families, single-person households, adventurous food options, plantbased or lab-grown meat are all delivering options and considerations that were never before available. All these are influencing how and what we eat and people’s relationship with the countryside.

What opportunities this presents for land-based businesses and how we provide support to enable these businesses to adapt to deliver these objectives is key. This is not only about what we produce but also about realising the “public goods” so much in demand by governments and policy-makers.

Something for something has long been the ethos of HM Treasury. And with future funding decisions made in the UK, farmers and land managers will have to present a case about what we can deliver for society in return for that support. This is not just about food production; it must include the whole breadth and depth of what our land can deliver. This should include evidence as to what can be delivered in environmental, social and cultural terms.

The Welsh Government’s consultation process is still young. In our member consultation activities, we’ll be looking to ensure that farmers can transition, gain new momentum and plan for their long-term future with insight into the requirements of the changing world.

We are committed to ensuring there is meaningful support and guidance to guide farmers through this process.