The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Lack of clarity fears over agri-environment funds
Westminster blamed for uncertainty over scheme’s future
The Scottish Government has blamed Westminster for a lack of clarity over the future of agri-environment support after Brexit.
It follows a plea for information over the future of the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) from the Scottish Farm Wildlife Advisers’ Group (FWAG). According to Scottish FWAG chairman Richard Lockett there is no certainty over the future of the scheme which has been running for the past four years.
“Agri-environment schemes play a crucial role in enhancing and maintaining Scotland’s natural environment,” said Mr Lockett. “They are one of the best ways we have of ensuring that farmers and land managers are incentivised and rewarded for helping deliver what the public wants and society needs. Whether it’s tackling diffuse pollution, managing habitats for wading birds, improving the condition of designated sites, or addressing many other environmental issues, agri-environment schemes have an important role to play.”
He said although there were flaws with AECS, it was popular with farmers and more than 2,000 farms, estates and crofts were enrolled in the scheme.
He urged politicians and policymakers to avoid the creation of interim agreements once the UK leaves Europe and said short-term agreements were a “bureaucratic headache and don’t allow for any proper planning or delivery”.
Instead, Scottish FWAG has called for another AECS round to open in late 2018, or early 2019, to give farmers the option to sign up for a five-year agri-environment scheme.
“I know that there are currently difficulties in making long-term financial commitments. Clearly there is a need to ensure that the devolution settlements are respected, and for future funding guarantees from the Westminster Treasury to allow the Scottish Government to plan ahead,” added Mr Lockett.
“Nevertheless, farmers, advisers and all those interested in Scotland’s habitats and wildlife urgently need clarity on what the future holds.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said only Westminster could provide clarity. She said: “It is the UK Government who need to provide urgent clarity on this issue – Brexit is their policy and they are the ones at the negotiating table. Scotland’s farmers and rural communities receive valuable support from the EU, and deserve clarity from the UK Government on future funding. We believe they should replace all EU funding under the Common griculture Policy which is due to be lost as a result of Brexit.”