Written - Transitional arrangements within Axis 2 of the Rural Development Plan 2007-13 associated with the launch of the new Glastir scheme

On 5th May 2009 I announced that I had decided to restructure funding of agri-environment schemes in Wales after a review of Axis 2 expenditure under the Rural Development Plan.

The proposals for the new all Wales Glastir Sustainable Land Management Scheme will replace the existing Tir Mynydd, Tir Gofal, Tir Cynnal and Organic Farming schemes and provide an incentive to encourage more farms to participate within the Better Woodlands for Wales scheme. The new scheme will enable us to better meet the new environmental challenges set out by the CAP health checks and reduce red tape for farmers.

It is my intention that transition into Glastir should ensure that wherever possible the environmental benefits already delivered through considerable investment both by government and farmers in previous schemes are maintained.  I am also keen to ensure the farming community is best positioned to adjust to the changing opportunities that Glastir provides.

With these two objectives in mind I have decided that existing agreement holders in Tir Cynnal and Tir Gofal will be offered an extension of their annual management payments until the end of 2013.  Farmers in these schemes will also be able to join the new Glastir scheme by selection of options complementary to the existing environmental services they are delivering.

Existing agreement holders in the Organic Farming scheme will also be able to enter Glastir when their current contract ends.  All holdings certified as wholly organic will be eligible for a 50% reduction on the points required to enter the scheme in recognition of the environmental benefits derived from their organic status.  An organic conversion fund will also be included within the Glastir scheme.  Agreement holders wishing to convert to organic farming or bring additional land into organic status will be able to apply for funding from this fund. 

I am also intending to give support for further organic conversion in the interim period before Glastir commences.  I have allocated £2.8m over 2010-12 to support those farmers wishing to convert to organic in this period.   This will only be available on land not currently under conversion and is conditional on receipt of a formal offer of an agreement.  

Support will be offered for the 2 year conversion period only and details of how to apply will be announced shortly.

All farmers currently receiving Tir Mynydd will be eligible for the 20% premium on joining Glastir irrespective of whether they have also extended an existing Tir Gofal or Tir Cynnal arrangement.  The 20% premium also applies to organic farmers in Tir Mynydd who are eligible for the discounted points requirement for joining Glastir.

I believe these proposals provide value for money in terms of achieving continued delivery of environmental outcomes and ensuring a smooth transition into Glastir for those who wish to join.