Farmers have welcomed the news that the European Commission has provided informal approval to Welsh Government on the Wales Rural Development Programme (RDP) with formal adoption expected in the next few weeks.
This means that the Welsh Government can now do the detailed planning for individual schemes.
The RDP has a total projected budget of approximately £957m (which includes the transfer from Pillar 1 to Pillar 2 equating to £244m) and schemes are expected under the following measures:
· Human and Social Capital Measures - including Farming Connect, Advisory Service, Co-operation and the European Innovation Partnership - £105m (11%)
· Physical Investment Measures - including Sustainable Production Grants, Food & Timber Business Investment Schemes, support for young entrants and business creation and development for non-agricultural activities - £143m (15%)
· Land-based Measures - all aspects of Glastir - £572m (60%)
· Leader and Local Development - including LEADER and the Rural Community Development Fund - £95m (10%)
NFU Cymru President Stephen James said, “NFU Cymru is pleased that the RDP has now moved to the stage where the detailed work on implementation can begin. As a Union, we have set out the very clear principles under which RDP schemes should be progressed. This includes the development of schemes and projects that directly enhance farm viability and offer clear farmer benefit delivering RDP funds straight to farm level.”
Mr James added, “It has always been our view that schemes should be easily accessible without unnecessary barriers put in place through the application process which add cost and administrative burden. We are pleased that our position has been reinforced by recent moves by the Commission to simplify CAP, across both Pillars, with plans to screen Rural Development Programmes, following approval, to identify where Member States have added complexity at the national level.
“Given that farmers in Wales have already felt the impact of the Pillar transfer which has been applied at the maximum rate of 15%, it is vital that Welsh Government redoubles its efforts to work with industry on the development and timely implementation of schemes. The Sustainable Production Grant Scheme is one such example which will support on-farm investments of up to £160,000 at an intervention rate of 40%.”
Concluding Mr James said, “It is our firm view that Welsh farming needs a sustained period of investment if we are to embrace future opportunities as a food producing nation. To deliver the maximum benefits for farming and the economy of Wales as a whole, Welsh Government must work with the agricultural industry, in a partnership role, to take the RDP forward.”
