FUW MEMBERS OUTLINE WORRIES FOR FUTURE OF HILL FARMING

Fears that major changes are in store for the Welsh farming industry under the Assembly Government's forthcoming Glastir agri-environment scheme were outlined today by the Farmers' Union of Wales' outgoing Ceredigion chairman.

Speaking after rural affairs minister and Ceredigion AM Elin Jones attended a special county branch meeting on his hill farm at Cwmystwyth, Brynmor Morgan said: "After all is said and done, the colour and quality of the vegetation of our hills are controlled by us farmers who are the true custodians of the countryside.

"Whatever prescriptions come from the Welsh Assembly they should not risk affecting hill farm incomes in such a way that a clearance of the hills is triggered which could lead to Welsh uplands becoming a desert."

From 2012, the five existing agri-environment schemes will be replaced by one scheme, Glastir, in an attempt to meet future environmental challenges. Welsh Assembly Government officials are now working on the detail and engaging with industry representatives, including the FUW, to make sure it becomes a workable scheme.

Mr Morgan said dozens of members had an in-depth, frank discussion with Ms Jones with very informative questions and points put across. "But there were counter arguments made very strongly by the members and no punches were pulled.

"We trust that their views will be of value to the Welsh Assembly team," added Mr Morgan, who is the seventh generation to run his family's farm at Ty Newydd.

County executive officer Owen Jenkins told Ms Jones large numbers of FUW members waiting to enter the existing Tir Gofal scheme now felt like they have had the door slammed in their face.

He also pointed out that all those farming on common land would have to co-operate to enter the Glastir scheme and that could be a major problem.

Ms Jones said the decision to set up Glastir had been taken now in order to minimise the impact of farmers having to suffer major transitions in Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 payments at the same time.

"I have given FUW's president Gareth Vaughan an assurance that I want farmers' views because Glastir will not work if it is not practical for farmers and it must also be visibly light on bureaucracy."