Party piolicies: Penri James, Plaid Cymru

Why should farmers vote for your party?
Plaid Cymru understands the needs of rural communities and particularly the farming community. In the Welsh Government we have introduced a programme to eradicate bTB, a Young

Entrants Scheme and we are cutting red tape.

In Westminster we will push for the new supermarket ombudsman to be introduced. 

Our MPs will also push for changes to food labelling legislation so consumers know the ‘place of farming’.

Where would you make spending savings and improve efficiency in Defra and its agencies?
Significant savings for farmers and for Government can be made by slashing unnecessary red tape. Many quangos are unnecessary and policies can be delivered more efficiently directly by Government.

How would you ensure the UK’s voice was heard in Europe in negotiations over farming regulation?
We demand increased EU representation for Wales, including a fair number of MEPs, a European Parliament office in Wales, a rotating European Commissioner and a vote for Wales in the Council of Ministers.

How would you tackle bovine TB?
Plaid Cymru is implementing a bovine TB eradication programme based on sound scientific evidence and we are in consultation with experts. It involves limiting the spread of infection by cattle, including heightened surveillance and control measures in Wales.   

Would you introduce an independent body to take over animal health policy, alongside a levy on livestock producers?
Plaid Cymru does not favour establishing more quangos to take on Government responsibilities. We will not be introducing an independent body for animal health policy in Wales.

Would you negotiate to retain Single Payments (or a version of) in the next version of the Common Agricultural Policy? Or should funds be shifted to Pillar Two?
The next CAP will need to support agriculture to address a number of key challenges, including food security, climate change, declining biodiversity, water management and the viability of our rural communities. Single Payments play a central role in maintaining the viability of many farm businesses in Wales, particularly family farms. Plaid supports encouraging more market orientated and environmentally sustainable farming.

How would you encourage new entrants into farming?
We have secured £2 million in funding for a Young Entrants Support Scheme. It offers an one/off direct aid grant up to a maximum of £15,000; access to a dedicated Young Entrants’ Business Enabler service; and access to funded mentoring services from established farmers.

How would you help farmers adopt measures that tackle climate change?
The Plaid-driven One Wales Government has announced major changes to how we support farmers to tackle environmental challenges.

The Glastir Scheme, which will replace previous agri-environmental schemes, will pay farmers to deliver environmental benefits including tackling climate change. It will include an Agricultural Carbon Reduction and Efficiency Scheme providing capital grants to reduce carbon emissions on agricultural land.

Would you encourage, domestically and at EU level, the growth of GM crops?
We are committed to keeping Wales GM free. We support the strategy of adding value to Welsh produce by promoting and marketing it as high quality and environmentally friendly produce with a Welsh quality mark.

What would you do to encourage agricultural Research and Development (R&D) in the UK?
Investment in agricultural R&D will be crucial if agriculture is to meet the challenges ahead, including food security and climate change. Wales has internationally renowned agricultural research institutions, for which we will argue for ongoing investment. We will also call for a better-aligned UK research budget to address the particular issues affecting farmers in Wales through closer consultation with the Welsh Government. 

What is the single most important issue facing farmers?
The spread of bovine TB is one of the biggest threats facing the farming industry. The cost of trying to control the disease continues to escalate. The Welsh Government is taking decisive action through its bTB eradication programme.

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