Farmers’ views sought for Glastir improvement

Further changes could be made to Wales’ unpopular farmland management scheme as the Welsh Government sets about encouraging farmers to submit ideas for improvements.

A so-called, stock-take, of the implementation and application process for the Glastir scheme will be held over the coming weeks.

Deputy farm minister, Alun Davies, insisted he wanted the scheme to evolve and improve.

“I am eager to hold conversations with farmers, both those who have entered Glastir and those who have not yet decided to do so,’’ he said. “I am anxious to hear first hand, the views of farmers involved on what’s gone well, what’s gone less well and what additional things we might do to improve matters.”

Stakeholder events will be held across Wales and a ‘Glastir Stock-take’ e-mail box and postal address have been established to encourage contributions to the discussion.

Mr Davies said the outcome, which would include a set of actions for future improvement to the scheme’s All Wales Element, would be announced in June.

“I would welcome constructive ideas from anyone with a view on how the scheme implementation could be improved,’’ he added.

He described Glastir as a vital element in the Welsh Government’s delivery of its environmental objectives and obligations. “If we do not meet these obligations via existing avenues such as Glastir, it may ultimately prove necessary to introduce greater regulatory burden to avoid potential financial penalties,’’ he warned.

The consultation exercise has been welcomed by opposition parties.

Plaid Cymru’s rural affairs spokesman, Llyr Huws Gruffydd, insisted that there was a need to learn lessons in the way Glastir was being implemented but said that any changes must happen within the context of CAP reform.

“The last thing we need are changes to Glastir now and further changes again next year because of a new Common Agriculture Policy,’’ he added.
 
Farmers can get involved in the consultation process by emailing glastir.stocktake@wales.gsi.gov.uk

What is wrong with the Glastir scheme? Have your say on our forum on Glastir.