Dissatisfaction has been expressed by NFU Cymru’s Rural Affairs Board with the Welsh Government’s 'very slow implementation' of the Wales Rural Development Programme (RDP 2014-2020) which received approval from the Commission back in May 2015.
At their recent meeting members were also disappointed to learn that the first Expression of Interest window for the new Sustainable Production Grant Scheme appears to have supported very low numbers of farmers in Wales.
Rural Affairs Board Chairman Hedd Pugh said, “It is now two years since the Welsh Government’s decision to transfer the maximum amount possible (15%) from Pillar 1 to Pillar 2 in Wales – a decision unique in Europe.
“Whilst we understand there were some delays in getting sign-off of the Wales RDP with the Commission, the lack of progress with the roll-out of schemes to support the development of the farming industry has been most frustrating, particularly in the context of the challenging market conditions experienced by all sectors during the past twelve months.
“NFU Cymru has been a strong advocate of the investments measure within the RDP as a means to equip the industry with the latest technologies, equipment and facilities. Whilst we welcome the fact that the first round of Sustainable Production Grants applicants have now progressed to the full application stage, the numbers of farmers involved is very small.
Mr Pugh added, “There are now fears that the Scheme and wider RDP will offer support to very limited numbers of farmers despite the fact that all farmers have contributed to the fund via the Pillar transfer.
“It is vital that Welsh Government now presses ahead and announces the dates of the next Expression of Interest window for the Sustainable Production Grant Scheme which must be better resourced than the previous window. This Scheme should be supported by the implementation of a Small Grants Scheme without delay. This will allow many farmers in Wales to make multiple applications for smaller scale investments in the latest technologies and equipment to improve their business and technical performance.”
