WIREDGOV

The consultation, “Sustaining the Land”, meets the commitment in the Wales Rural Development Plan to undertake a review of programmes under Axis II of the Plan. Axis II covers all land management programmes, agri-environmental schemes including Tir Gofal, woodland grants and Tir Mynydd.

In order to encourage participation in this important consultation the Welsh Assembly Government will hold discussion meetings with farmers and other stakeholders throughout Wales as part of the process.

The review is being carried out because a number of fundamental issues need to be addressed in the future design of land management support, including:

• The need to tackle wider environmental challenges including climate change – reducing emissions and adapting to climate change;
• Meeting the challenges posed by the CAP Health Check proposals;
• The need to support the family farm, particularly in the Less Favoured Areas, recognising the past importance of Axis II funding in providing that support.

Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones said:

This consultation is a first step in the process of developing a new framework of programmes under Axis II. Its sets out the issues behind the review and offers a range of possible broad options for future direction. In light of the consultation, we will proceed, in close engagement with stakeholders, to work up the detailed design and delivery of programmes.

The Assembly Government is keen to promote schemes under Axis II that meet public concerns on climate change mitigation whilst ensuring farmers are able to continue to manage land for their purpose of food production and maintaining the traditional Welsh family farm.

I would ask everyone with an interest to take part in this consultation and attend the public meetings on this which will take place between October and December.

Related Links

http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/farmingandcountryside/?lang=en