Farming Connect and James Owen, Welsh Government give a presentation on the Agriculture in Wales White Paper.
The Agriculture in Wales White Paper sets out the plans for what may be the biggest change in agriculture policy in decades. Welsh Government is proposing to replace the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and other EU agri-environment schemes with a single direct support scheme for farming. The proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme will reward farmers for the production of environmental outcomes such as improved soils, clean air, clean water, improved habitat condition and actions to reduce global warming. It will also provide advice and support for farmers and farm businesses.
The White Paper also includes proposals for regulatory reform of agriculture in Wales. To reduce the complexity of regulation, it is proposed that the patchwork of existing agricultural regulation is consolidated into a set of National Minimum Standards. This will make it easier for farmers to understand the legal requirements with which they must comply. It is proposed the National Minimum Standards would be applicable to all farmers in Wales.
These changes will affect the way you farm and it’s important that we hear your views on the proposals.