A recent report [commissioned by the Welsh Government] on The Resilience of Welsh Farming, highlighted the fragility of upland farming, and identified environmental payments as a means of support that would also deliver wider benefits to society. In line with RSPB Cymru’s position the same report discouraged income support type payments to farms in relatively unproductive areas as this is unlikely to encourage environmentally beneficial land management. However, in recent weeks there have been a number of calls for the introduction of such a payment, known as an Area of Natural Constraints (ANC) payment. Not only would this type of payment fail to guarantee benefits to society [in return for the investment of public money] it may even act as a disincentive to upland farming to respond to current economic and environmental challenges and opportunities.
Upland farming in Wales is struggling, and if these farms are to survive we must look to longer term solutions. The uplands of Wales are some of our most wildlife rich and environmentally valuable areas so it is vitally important we are able to sustain land managers in these areas in the future. These farms are in a prime position to provide a range of public goods and services such as reducing flood risk, storing green house gases and providing homes for wildlife. And yet, unlike food, there are currently no markets for these important services. As such it makes perfect sense to use schemes like Glastir to pay farmers for them while markets are developed.
Farming and the environment are inextricably linked, and in the uplands that relationship has been viewed by many as distinctly negative with adopted definitions including less favoured and severely disadvantaged areas. If upland farming is to have a viable future, re-evaluating how the environment is perceived and managed is key, challenges must be seen as opportunities and farmers must be encouraged and supported to take on the critically important role of sustainable land managers.
This is a big ask, we want farming to do more than produce food, we also need to ensure we have clean drinking water, the risk of flooding is minimised, atmospheric carbon is locked up in peatlands and woodlands, nature has a home and iconic landscapes are maintained.
The Welsh Government is currently developing its plans for the next seven years and is consulting on Glastir, and how Rural Development Programme budgets can help farmers become more effective and efficient food producers as well as environmental managers. Back in December the Minister, Alun Davies, made a positive decision to transfer 15% from pillar 1 to pillar 2 – this decision will mean the Minister has ensured the maximum funds are available to support farmland environments, along side rural communities and economies. The Welsh Government’s challenge is to ensure this money helps support farmers, including those in the uplands, to realise the full environmental potential of their land, and to develop long-term, sustainable markets for the food and environmental goods and services they produce.