Montgomershire farmers ask for reform detail
A meeting of NFU Members at Newtown welcomed confirmation by Assembly Minister, Carwyn Jones, that the new CAP Single Farm Payment Scheme in Wales is to be calculated on an historic basis and introduced from 2005. However, with the statement lacking in detail, many farmers remain in a state of 'limbo' and still unclear as to what the Reform package would mean for their businesses.
NFU Montgomeryshire County Chairman, Arwel Hughes from Meifod said: "For instance, milk producers remain in the dark as to how the Reform will truly affect their businesses. It is disappointing that the Minister did not take the opportunity to confirm his intentions with respect to the dairy sector. NFU Cymru supports the incorporation of the dairy premium into the Single Farm Payment in 2005 and it is frustrating that we are still unclear as to what our milk producing Members can expect from the Reform."
"Those farming either side of the border are also in a kind of 'limbo." warned Arwel Hughes. "The fact that a different scheme will operate in England to that in Wales has inevitably left producers whose land is either side of the border in a state of 'limbo'. Obviously, the Assembly together with DEFRA must now agree how to administer the Reform package to farms that straddle the border or those who have land either side. Basically, these producers need to know which scheme - the Welsh, the English or a combination of both - will apply to their businesses."
"The announcement has not helped one bit to ease the confusion and producers in these situations remain unsure as to what the future holds for them in 2005 and onwards - a situation which is unacceptable and must be clarified as soon as possible." said Arwel Hughes.
"The NFU in Montgomeryshire has asked local Assembly Members Mick Bates & Glyn Davies together with Member of Parliament Lembit Opik to pursue these issues in Cardiff and at Westminster so as the industry as a whole can have a clearer idea as to what to expect from the implementation of the CAP Reforms in 2005." added Arwel Hughes.
