Welsh Government
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No National Envelope Scheme for Wales

Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones announced yesterday (16 June) that the Welsh Assembly Government will not be introducing a National Envelope scheme for farming in Wales.

The National Envelope redirects 10% of the Single Payment allocated to farmers. This Envelope can be used to protect or enhance the environment or to improve the quality and marketing of agricultural products.

The decision takes account of the comments received following an extensive consultation by the Welsh Assembly Government on whether to take forward the Envelope provision that was included in the November 2008 agreement under the CAP Health Check process.

Speaking at the Farmers’ Union of Wales Annual General Meeting in Aberystwyth, the Minister said:

“The CAP Health Check National Envelope builds on that originally provided under the major reform of the CAP in 2003 that saw the introduction in Wales of the Single Payment Scheme in 2005.  Previous consultation in 2004 on introducing the Envelope demonstrated a lack of overall support within Wales. The more recent consultation confirmed that there is little consensus among the farming and countryside interest for the use of a National Envelope.

“The Envelope could be used to support the marketing and quality of Welsh farm produce, improve the environment and offer support to economically disadvantaged farmers.  Funds are generated by a reduction to the Single Farm Payment receivable by all farmers and then re-directed to deliver support via the Envelope mechanism."

The Minister added:

“The Wales Rural Development Plan already delivers dedicated support to improve the competitiveness of Welsh farming through schemes to support farm produce and marketing skills as well as action that enable farmers to manage their land in a sustainable fashion.  In the light of the consultation responses, I do not believe it would be appropriate to introduce the National Envelope at this time, particularly when it would require deductions from the income base for Welsh farmers.”

Related Links

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