The Welsh Conservatives have welcomed the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths’, support for an overarching UK framework for agricultural policy with appropriate flexibility for devolved regions.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the Oxford Farming Conference this week, Mrs Griffiths highlighted the fact that key areas of agricultural policy had been devolved to Wales since 1999, but that a UK framework which respected devolution was needed.
Shadow Agriculture Secretary, Paul Davies, said:
“It is encouraging to see signs from both ends of the M4 that an agreement could be reached between UK and Welsh Governments over a UK-wide framework for post-EU agricultural funding.
“Even though the decision to leave the European Union presents us with huge challenges it is also an opportunity to restructure support for farmers, and to reduce red tape. We need to work together to make the most of it.
“We need to see a new framework for farming and agriculture which has sharp enough teeth to guarantee a ‘single market’ for UK produce – but without impinging on the devolved responsibilities. It must be flexible enough for the devolved administrations to continue to pursue locally driven priorities.
“It is crucial that the current devolved agricultural responsibilities continue and it's therefore essential that both governments work together in shaping the future of Welsh farming.”
