Recommendation 3

Defra has put insufficient emphasis and care into managing the process of transition itself, and there is a risk that this will be a haphazard process leading to unintended consequences. Ministers’ absolute determination to press ahead with the timescale for phasing out direct payments and introducing ELM, even when confronted with significant disruption across Government and the economy, also suggests an unwillingness to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. We would expect that this contingency planning should already be taking place, and we note that Defra officials have previously asked for a delay to the pilot due to delivery concerns. After years of delay and uncertainty, time is now short, and Defra must do more to give us confidence that it will take account of changing circumstances as the agricultural transition proceeds. Defra should commit to regularly reviewing its plan for the agricultural transition and to developing contingency plans, including plans to provide for greater flexibility in the phasing out of direct payments. These reviews should draw on a comprehensive assessment of the impact of Defra’s policies. Defra should implement its contingency plans if it becomes necessary to ensure continued farm viability.