Plaid expresses concern over 10% tree cover proposals in Sustainable Farming Scheme

PLAID Cymru has expressed its continued concern at the 10% tree cover proposals outlined in the latest Sustainable Farming Scheme consultation, which has been launched today.

Llyr Gruffydd MS, Plaid Cymru’s Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, welcomed changes to certain aspects of the proposed scheme which had come as a result of Plaid Cymru’s constructive engagement with the Welsh Government. These include the adoption of a longer-term transition period, a commitment for stability payments during this time, along with better recognition of the particular circumstances of tenant farmers.

However, the North Wales MS warned that the Government’s continued commitment to the arbitrary 10% figure for tree planting is a mistake that would prove unworkable and unviable for many farm businesses.

Responding to the launch of the Sustainable Farming Scheme consultation, Llyr Gruffydd MS said:

“This latest consultation on the Sustainable Farming Scheme shows some positive changes, including proposals that we in Plaid Cymru have been arguing for. These include a longer-term transition period, a commitment for stability payments during this time, and greater acknowledgement of the particular circumstances of tenant farmers.

“But Plaid Cymru still has fundamental concerns about Labour’s stance on the arbitrary 10% tree cover proposal. We’ve been consistent on this since the start. Whilst recognising that the Government at last accepts that exemption is possible under certain circumstances, this doesn’t go far enough. As it stands the scheme remains unworkable and unviable for many farm businesses.

“Just this week I challenged the Minister on how farmers will be recompensed for any devaluation of their land as a result of tree planting. She failed to answer. If this isn’t addressed it will drive farmers away from entering the scheme, undermining what it could achieve.

“It’s also disappointing that the Minister still cannot provide any detail on the scheme’s budget and payment rates. Without this information it’s difficult to provide a meaningful response on how the different proposed actions will affect the industry.

“These proposals will introduce the biggest change to farm support seen in Wales in a generation and I urge everyone to make their voice heard by responding to the consultation.”

The consultation will be open for 12 weeks and further details are available on the Welsh Government website.