DEFRA cuts: NFU demands answers on spending plans

The NFU has put DEFRA on the spot over its future spending plans following the government’s spending review.

The union said that while the Treasury and DEFRA had both released some details of how the department intends to reduce its spending up to 2015, the level of detail does not appear to cover the full extent of cuts DEFRA will be undertaking.

It has issued a list of questions relating to the cuts, which it says need further explanation.

For example, the NFU has asked for clarification on how DEFRA plans to cut administration costs by £174m over four years and how it will find savings of £66m in the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE).

It has also asked what DEFRA means when it refers to an 80% increase in the Higher Level Scheme.

“Does this refer to an increase in the budget or an increase in the scheme’s uptake? What will be the real impact of the reduction in RDPE financing on funds available through environmental stewardship schemes?” the union said.

NFU director of policy Martin Haworth said the union recognised that farming had to accept its share of the burden, and that it would not escape untouched by the spending cuts.

“However, the industry’s competitiveness must not be compromised,” he warned.

“We need to have a clear idea where exactly the cuts will be felt if we are to have the certainty and confidence that will enable farming to play its part in the country’s economic recovery.

“DEFRA must provide a clearer account of exactly where all of the planned cuts will fall.”

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