Assembly on track to cutting farming red tape

Today may be April 1 but for farmers in Wales the regulatory burden they face in order to meet both European and domestic legislation is no joke.

From listening to farmers it is clear to me that there is a need to consider lightening the load of red tape they encounter. To this end, I announced in January that the Welsh Assembly Government would carry out a review of bureaucracy in the farming industry.

A great deal of farmers' time is taken up with farm checks and inspections, and it can be stressful and frustrating at times, particularly when it seems checks are being duplicated by various bodies. There is also a burden on the Government and other agencies involved in carrying out the range of checks in place. Of course, proper audit of the industry is essential but there is scope for streamlining which would allow farmers to concentrate on the important work of managing our countryside and producing food.

My first action was to appoint Peredur Hughes as an external adviser to the Welsh Assembly Government as we review farming industry checks. Peredur will be reporting directly to me and he will play a vital role, acting as a link between the internal review team in the Assembly Government and the industry and will ensure that the needs and views of both are represented throughout the review process. I am delighted to have Peredur on board and am sure the review will benefit from his vast experience.