Select Committee · Welsh Affairs Committee

The economic and cultural impacts of trade and environmental policy on family farms in Wales

Status: Closed Opened: 21 Jul 2021 Closed: 16 Oct 2023 8 recommendations 6 conclusions 1 report

The Welsh Affairs Committee is conducting a short inquiry to explore the impact of major policy changes (particularly, but not exclusively, international trade and climate change) on family farms in Wales. Read inquiry launch and terms of reference

Clear

Reports

1 report
Title HC No. Published Items Response
5th Report - The economic and cultural impacts of trade and… HC 607 7 Apr 2022 14 Responded

Recommendations & Conclusions

4 items
10 Conclusion 5th Report - The economic and cultural … Accepted

We recognise the vital role that farmers play in food production and acknowledge the desire...

We recognise the vital role that farmers play in food production and acknowledge the desire of UK and Welsh governments to move to a system of funding for public goods. However, we are concerned about the impact that transitioning from the existing system of payments for food production will have … Read more

Government response AI summary
The government states that arrangements are already in place between the UK Government (DEFRA) and the Devolved Administrations to co-operate on agricultural support issues under the Provisional Common Support Framework on Agricultural Support.
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Wales Office
11 Recommendation 5th Report - The economic and cultural … Accepted

Although agricultural policy is a devolved responsibility, we heard calls for the four governments to...

Although agricultural policy is a devolved responsibility, we heard calls for the four governments to ensure that they discuss changes to their respective agriculture policies. The UK Government should consult via the new Interministerial Group on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with the devolved governments on potential areas for collaboration … Read more

Government response AI summary
The government states that arrangements are already in place between the UK Government (DEFRA) and the Devolved Administrations to co-operate on agricultural support issues under the Provisional Common Support Framework on Agricultural Support.
Read full response →
Wales Office
13 Recommendation 5th Report - The economic and cultural … Accepted

The future of farming in Wales depends on the viability of career options for younger...

The future of farming in Wales depends on the viability of career options for younger generations to come through. We call on the UK and Welsh governments to work closely together to support and encourage new entrants; for example, respecting the role of both freeholder and tenant and the different … Read more

Government response AI summary
The Government will provide funding to create lasting opportunities for new entrants in England to access land, infrastructure and support to establish successful and innovative businesses. The UK Government will share information about the operation of the scheme with the Welsh Government as the scheme …
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Wales Office
14 Recommendation 5th Report - The economic and cultural … Accepted

We are aware of the importance of succession for family farms.

We are aware of the importance of succession for family farms. One challenge for new entrants into the farming industry is the lack of opportunities available for older farmers to step aside and plan for their succession. We recommend that the UK and Welsh governments work together to understand the … Read more

Government response AI summary
The UK Government has launched a Lump Sum Exit Scheme for farmers in England, which could help farmers leave the industry and open up opportunities for new entrants. They will share information about the operation of the scheme with the Welsh Government as the scheme …
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Wales Office

Oral evidence sessions

2 sessions
Date Witnesses
2 Feb 2022 James Owen · Welsh Government, Jon Travis · Welsh Government, Julie James MS · Welsh Government, Vicky Jones · Welsh Government View ↗
24 Nov 2021 David Williams · Daily Mail, Dr Nick Fenwick · Farmers Union of Wales, John Davies · National Farmers Union Cymru, Professor Terry Marsden · Cardiff University, William Jones · Rural Affairs Committee, Wales YFC View ↗

Who gave evidence

9 witnesses
WitnessOrganisationSessions
David Williams · Journalist Daily Mail 1
Dr Nick Fenwick · Head of Policy Farmers Union of Wales 1
James Owen · Head of Land Management Reform Welsh Government 1
John Davies · President National Farmers Union Cymru 1
Jon Travis · Head of Forestry Reform Welsh Government 1
Julie James MS · Minister for Climate Change Welsh Government 1
Professor Terry Marsden · Emeritus Professor Cardiff University 1
Vicky Jones · Head of Agriculture, Sustainability and Developme… Welsh Government 1
William Jones · Chair Rural Affairs Committee, Wales YFC 1