The Welsh Government's proposals for the farming industry after the UK leaves the EU do not match farmers' ambition for growth, NFU Cymru has said.
Following an extensive consultation engagement programme, with an "unprecedented" level of response from the union's farmer members, the lack of acknowledgement of the importance of food production in the proposals has emerged as a "significant concern" for the industry.
The Welsh Government’s ‘Brexit and Our Land’ consultation proposes a phased withdrawal of the Basic Payment Scheme to be replaced by two new schemes; an economic resilience scheme and a public goods scheme.
But there is some concern within the industry that the proposed scheme will make farmers worse off once the UK leaves the EU.
NFU Cymru President, John Davies said: “Frustratingly, the proposals contained within the ‘Brexit and Our Land’ consultation do not match the ambition of Welsh farmers who want to play their part in supplying safe, quality, fully traceable food that will underpin further growth of an industry currently worth £6.9 billion to the Welsh economy.
“This omission is extremely surprising when you consider that the Welsh food and drink sector is one of Wales’ four foundation sectors in ‘Prosperity for All – The Economic Action Plan for Wales’ - a national strategy published by Welsh Government only last year to help deliver its priorities for the Assembly term.
Mr Davies added: “This can be corrected, and an opportunity exists for Welsh Government to work with the sector from farm to fork to put in place a sustainable, and fully integrated, Welsh food and farming policy.
“Welsh Government should bring together the work on the new Food and Drink Action Plan and future farming policy to drive towards new bold and ambitious targets to grow our share of produce sold in the UK retail and food service sectors, expand our reach in export markets, and increase the amount of Welsh food procured by the public sector,” he said.
'Volatility and instability'
As part of its response to the Welsh Government document, NFU Cymru has also highlighted its fears that proposals do not contain measures to protect Welsh farming businesses against the volatility and instability that the industry has experienced in recent years.
These fears, the union says, are only increased by the uncertainty that the UK’s departure from the European Union will bring.
“During our consultation engagement programme, our membership has reaffirmed the NFU Cymru policy of a future sustainable agriculture programme built around three cornerstones of productivity, environment and stability,” explained the NFU Cymru President.
“All three combine to give a truly integrated and comprehensive programme that will deliver economically, environmentally, socially and culturally for Wales.
He added: “Without stability the industry cannot deliver the outcomes that the Welsh public associates with the sector. Vibrant farm businesses underpin the delivery of a broad range of goods and services for Wales.
“This starts with the production of safe, high quality, traceable, affordable food and includes maintaining our iconic Welsh landscapes, enhancing the quality of our environment, supporting tourism, and underpinning the vitality of our rural communities and the Welsh language,” Mr Davies said.
'Proud to produce'
NFU Cymru does not support the phasing out of current schemes until there is "clear evidence" that replacement policies can deliver at least the same level of stability for farming businesses that current policies provide.
Mr Davies said the strength of feeling over the plans contained within the consultation underlined the need for Welsh Government to work with the industry.
“Every farmer we spoke to was proud to be a farmer, proud to produce food for the consumer, proud to be an integral part of their community, proud to care for their environment and proud to be running a successful and diverse business,” said Mr Davies.
“Not one member identified themselves solely as a ‘land manager’ – many took offence at this narrow definition being used by Welsh Government in this,” he added.
Farmers are urged to respond to the Welsh Government’s ‘Brexit and Our Land’ consultation before the it draws to a close at 23:50pm on Tuesday 30th October.
