Welsh Government Amends Definition of Moorland
WALES – Farm subsidy payments on marginal land will alter under the next round of Common Agricultural Policy payments.
28 August 2014
2 minute read
Instead of moorland being defined according to plants not found growing there, the Welsh Government has opted to classify moorland by the plant life present.
Deputy Minister for Agriculture Rebecca Evans played down the impact of the change.
She said: “This is a relatively minor issue and the decision will not change the shape of next CAP scheme.
“We will amend the regulations shortly and will be writing to all scheme claimants to explain the change.”
Farming bodies are in favour of the decision, with National Farmers Union President Stephen James saying: “The revised approach to dealing with reviews of moorland classification now takes better account of the species composition commonly found on semi- improved and improved hill pastures in Wales.”
The Farmers’ Union of Wales describing the announcement as a ‘positive example of industry and government working together'.
FUW President Emyr Jones said a series of meetings and discussions had come up with ‘practical solutions’ which were ‘proportionate’ and ‘fair’.
Fairness was key for CLA Cymru: “CLA Cymru has called for a system that is as far as possible, fair and equitable for all land managers,” said it’s Director Ben Underwood.
“The willingness of the Welsh Government to further engage on the matter is appreciated and we believe the revised Moorland definition with a meaningful two stage review/appeals process provides the industry with a rigorous mechanism to help ensure that payment rates for moorland are appropriately applied.”
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