Assembly committee calls for clarity on Glastir scheme
3 March 2010
The Welsh Government should clarify several outstanding issues before introducing its new agri-environment scheme Glastir, says a letter from the Chair of the Assembly’s Rural Development Sub-committee to the Minister for Rural Affairs.
The letter follows a short inquiry by the sub-committee into the Glastir scheme, which heard evidence from farmers, farming unions and other agriculture organisations.
As well as expressing concern about the lack of information available regarding the new scheme, the sub-committee identified five key issues it believes the Welsh Government must address before implementing it.
The letter calls for Glastir to be made more accessible and for the points system to be reassessed. In particular, the inquiry heard that farmers who had already carried out work to meet criteria in previous land management schemes, such as Tir Gofal, were unsure of whether they would amass the necessary points to qualify for the new programme.
It also recommends that the Welsh Government reviews its decision not to provide project officer support for the entry-level scheme and look at whether its divisional offices have the capacity to cope with the increased demand for support.
The Committee has also asked the Welsh Government to explain its decision to end dual land use payments in Wales, when they are to continue in England and Scotland, and for it to carry out an assessment on the impact of the change on landowners and tenants in Wales.
Another concern for the Committee is the lack of a capital works element in the entry-level Glastir scheme and the Committee has called on the Welsh Government to review its plans in this regard.
Chair of the Rural Development Sub-committee Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM said: “It had become increasingly clear to the Committee that there was a high level of concern among farmers and other stakeholders regarding the new Glastir scheme, and that is why we decided to look at it in greater detail.
“The overwhelming opinion we heard at our public meeting in Dolgellau was that there remains much uncertainty about the details of the new scheme, and that is why we decided to write to the Minister highlighting these issues which we believe need to be addressed before Glastir can be introduced..
“We look forward very much to the Minister for Rural Affairs statement on Glastir next week, and we would urge her to take our concerns on board as she finalises the details of the scheme.”