A long road ahead

he year 2022 will be signifi cant

Tfor farmers and land managers in England as the new agricultural policies replacing the EU Common Agricultural Policy schemes start to come into eff ect. Likewise, in Wales, the long-awaited Agriculture (Wales) Bill will be making its way through the Senedd – laying the groundwork for agricultural policy changes and culminating in the full roll-out of the new Sustainable Farming Scheme by January 2025.

More information has been emerging on new schemes for England since the publication of Defra’s Agricultural Transition Plan in 2020, but there is still a long transition road ahead.

Recipients of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) in England will see the fi rst cuts in their 2021 payments, with further and larger cuts due in 2022. This will be softened to some extent by the introduction of the fi rst phase of the Sustainable Farming Incentive, with applications in spring 2022. In addition, the new Farming Investment Fund will provide grants for investment in equipment and technology, as well as larger infrastructure investments such as on-farm reservoirs. There will be a further round of the Future Farming Resilience Fund, which provides free advice to help businesses adapt to changes in policy and markets. For those who wish to leave the industry, there will also be an opportunity to apply for the lump sum exit scheme, where eligible.

Starting in 2022, Defra will also be running pilots on the Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes, which may be of interest to some members. Countryside Stewardship applications remain open with a new payment structure, which is well worth investigating.

Always on hand

As new agricultural policies take eff ect in 2022, the CLA is on hand to help guide members along the road ahead, says Susan Twining

A key feature of the agricultural transition in England is constant change, so it will be vital to keep in touch with developments. This is why our regional and national advisers are on hand to answer your questions. Our digital agricultural transition hub is a great source for all the latest information. You should also look out for CLA events and webinars providing updates and insights on how to manage the changes that will aff ect all businesses. If you are interested in being more involved in policy development, we have a CLA member ELM panel that we regularly call upon for input in addition to our national committees. If this is of interest, please contact the land use team in London.

In Wales, the co-design of the new Sustainable Farming Scheme has started, with the CLA taking an active role in working with the Welsh Government. CLA member input will be essential to support the CLA Cymru team. BPS will continue until 2024, and the current agrienvironment scheme (Glastir) has been extended until the end of 2023. Farming Connect will also continue to off er advice and guidance through the transition period. There will also be additional rounds of Farm Business Grants going forward. Although there is some certainty regarding BPS and Glastir, it is still important members in Wales prepare and plan ahead to ensure businesses are fi t for the future. The CLA Cymru team is on hand to help provide advice, events and meetings.