Farmers in call for clarity on policies

FARMERS “THE length and breadth” of England need clarity on the way ahead for Government agricultural policy, says a leading farming association.

George Dunn, chief executive of the Tenant Farmers Association, said with the Brexit deadline fast approaching and no clear plan set out, it was “nigh on” impossible for farmers to “take the long view”, with many farm businesses feeling they are “on hold”.

Mr Dunn said there were concerns that, with the Chancellor limiting his Spending Review to a year, details of the seven- year transitional period for farm policy could be “hidden from view”.

“Ever since the result of the June 2016 EU Referendum, we have listened to successive Defra Secretaries of State, talking up the opportunities to be grasped for UK agriculture in the post EU world,” Mr Dunn said.

“Although the February 2018 Health and Harmony document set out the semblance of a plan, it feels like we have been marking time ever since. Defra had previously indicated that it would set out its plans in July this year, that then moved to September and more recently to November.

“However now that the Chancellor of the Exchequer is limiting his Spending Review to just one year, we worry that the much needed detail of the seven- year transitional period for farm policy envisaged by the Government will remain hidden from view.”

Mr Dunn said it was not about “clinging to the past” but ensuring there was enough time to deliver a sustainable and outcome focused policy for developing farm business resilience and environmental enhancement rather than something “half baked”.