Alternative support for Welsh farmers as subsidy scheme draws to a close
24th July 2023
With subsidy payments for farmers set to end this year, the Welsh government has announced the launch of an interim agri-environment scheme from 1st January 2024 to provide alternative support until the start of the proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme in 2025.
The new scheme will provide a seamless transition as the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme ends, and will also replace the Glastir Advances, Commons and Organic schemes ending 31st December 2023.
Through the scheme, farmers will be eligible to receive payments for protecting habitat land, which will also ensure the important gains made by Glastir are maintained. Introduced in 2013, Glastir has been the main sustainable land management scheme in Wales, providing farmers with financial support for taking climate-friendly actions.
The application window for the interim agri-environment scheme will open later this year, with contracts commencing in January 2024. Further details including the budget for the scheme will be announced following discussions with stakeholders prior to the start of the application window.
Rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths commented: “The interim scheme is an important step as we progress towards the Sustainable Farming Scheme which will support farmers to produce food sustainably at the same time as addressing the climate and nature emergencies.”
With the end of Glastir, farmers and land managers in Wales will also be able to access all of the available Rural Investment Schemes, a number of which will prepare them to enter SFS. Currently, Glastir Advanced farmers are unable to apply to the Small Grants – Environment scheme.
The minister added: “Through Glastir, we have supported farmers to maintain and enhance habitat protection; we want to maintain this investment as we transition to the new Sustainable Farming Scheme.
“It’s important we have a scheme to ensure the valuable gains made under Glastir are not lost, and we’re also able to encourage more farmers to take part.”
Lack of support for organic farming sparks concern
Having reviewed the proposed interim scheme, the Soil Association has expressed concern over the apparent lack of support for organic farming systems, saying the announcement might come as a “shock” for Welsh organic farmers.
“We and other farming representatives recently called on the Minister to confirm that there would be no cliff-edge on funding for nature-friendly and low carbon farming ahead of the introduction of the Sustainable Farming Scheme,” said Soil Association head of policy Wales Andrew Tuddenham.
“Whilst the announcement goes some way to addressing this, we remain concerned that what appears to be a singular focus on habitat will miss the wider range of benefits secured through organic farming.”
Mr Tuddenham went on to point out that organic dairy farmers will be at a particular disadvantage, and that the proposals could be the “final straw” for those squeezed tight between high input costs and dropping milk prices.
The Association has also called for current Glastir contract holders to be prioritised in the application process to ensure uninterrupted support for those doing more for the environment.
“Now is not the time to heap more pressure on farmers who manage their land through Glastir for nature, carbon and sustainable food production goals. Welsh Government must bring forward its engagement with stakeholders to ensure that the scheme helps rather than hinders sustainable farming in Wales,” Mr Tuddenham stressed.
