The Farmers' Union of Wales has welcomed today's Welsh Government's statement on the future of the Glastir land management scheme under the next Rural Development Programme (RDP), particularly its promise to engage closely with stakeholders to implement its proposals.
“The union has called for many of the proposals within the document over a number of years and the introduction of greater flexibility into the scheme will help make it more accessible to a greater number of farmers who have been top sliced 15% of their single farm payment to help finance RDP measures," said FUW land use and parliamentary committee chairman Gavin Williams, of Holyhead, Anglesey.
"All elements of Glastir will now be independent of each other and stocking densities will be developed to recognise the farming calendar which has been a barrier for many farmers.
“We also welcome the development of a new Small Grant and Habitat Network component which we believe will provide a positive first step into environmental management for some farmers.
“Whilst there remain some concerns about some aspects of the proposals, such as the increased allocation of resources for forestry and the suggested use of RDP funds to replant public forests, in general terms we look forward to working with Welsh Government to take these proposals forward."
