WELSH farmers are being hamstrung by decisions made by the minister responsible for agriculture, Preseli Pembrokeshire’s AM has said.
The decision by minister for natural resources and food Alun Davies to transfer the maximum modulation rate of 15% of European funding from Pillar 1 – direct payments to farmers, to Pillar 2 – rural development, will leave Welsh farmers uncompetitive, says county AM Paul Davies.
“While I’m pleased that the minister has finally made a decision on CAP reform and that farmers can now make the business decisions that they need to make to plan for the future, this modulation of 15% will be a blow to Welsh farmers,” added Mr Davies.
“They are now at a huge disadvantage to our fellow UK farmers and an even bigger disadvantage against other EU farmers. The Welsh Government should be doing all that it can to support our farmers, but in reality they have hamstrung the industry.”
England has set its modulation rate at 12%, while France is only transferring 3% and Germany 4.5%.
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