Unions unite to demand continuity and stability

THE presidents of the NFU, NFUS, NFU Cymru and the Ulster Farmers’ Union have challenged the UK’s farming ministers to establish a well–funded agricultural policy that suits the different farming conditions across the UK.

In a statement, the union presidents said: “Ministers must avoid an abrupt cliff-edge for farmers following the exit from the EU. So it’s vital that governments across the UK co-operate to ensure a funding transition from the current CAP to policies best suited to circumstances of different parts of the UK. In doing so, each administration must avoid disruptive differences across the UK and between sectors.”

NFU Cymru president Stephen James said: “The fact that we retain most of the body of EU legislation means that I see no reason why we could not, as an interim measure, use the current Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as a framework model for support to Welsh farming.

“This would offer both continuity and stability and give us the necessary breathing space to devise a domestic agricultural support policy that suits our needs, sometime after our EU departure in 2019.”

Following consultation with members, the FUW agreed last autumn that a UK agricultural framework should be put in place to prevent unfair competition between devolved regions.

“We are concerned that discussions at the highest level regarding the need for and nature of such a framework are not progressing at the appropriate rate, particularly given the very short period during which important decisions need to be made, and that’s why we are repeating our call for all the governments to work closely and co-operatively to ensure the wellbeing of our rural communities is not compromised,” said FUW president Glyn Roberts.

The CLA has called on the UK Government to extend the funding commitment for agriculture and set out a realistic time-frame for creating a structure that will meet the needs of future generations in Welsh farming.

CLA Cymru director Rebecca Williams said: “UK ministers should set out a realistic timeframe, which includes time to work in partnership with the Welsh Government and stakeholders, to create a policy that will meet the needs of the next generation of Welsh farmers and landowners.”