Welsh farmers benefit from new EU greening deal

Farmers who join Wales’ new agri-environment scheme will qualify automatically for the greening element of their direct payments after an agreement struck in Brussels.

The Welsh Government’s Deputy Farming Minister said the revised CAP proposals would allow farmers involved in the All Wales Element of Glastir to qualify for the 30% greening aspect of their Single Farm Payment.

Alun Davies welcomed the European Commission’s new plans for greening as a “big step in the right direction’’.

“I have been negotiating long and hard for farmers in Glastir to be exempt from the greening proposals under pillar 1 and it is now crystal clear that this is paying off,’’ he said. “I am also grateful to the Welsh Government officials and our Brussels office who have worked so hard on this.’’

Mr Davies shared the view of the EC’s Agriculture Commissioner, Dacian Ciolos, that champions at greening under agri-environment schemes should be rewarded.

“Negotiating CAP reform will be a long but vital process. There is a long way to go and I will stay closely engaged at every level and at every opportunity,’’ added Mr Davies.

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