English Countryside of the Future

GEPP

3 November 2014

By Lucy Wright

The consultation has opened up a debate as to who should benefit from the subsidies. Many other EU countries are looking to use their grant to directly aid their farmers. The UK government, however, is of the opinion that their farmers will have to work for their cash in an environmentally sensitive way.

With this in mind, the Government outlined their aims to spend up to 15% on rural development and green schemes to include helping hill farmers and creating shelter for pollinators such as bees and moths.

Concerns have been raised by farmers in the UK operating large scale commercial farms, who warn that with other farmers across the EU receiving direct subsidies they will not be able to compete.

Environmentalists have also voiced their concerns regarding the proposals, and have stated that the Government’s plans do not go far enough in ensuring that all farmers across the country farm in an environmentally sensitive manner and that such farming practices are not restricted to just certain areas.

The consultation procedure began on the 31st October and is to last for 28 days. A period some feel is altogether too short for such a complex issue.

The above is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.

If you require any further information please contact Edward Worthy on 01245 493939 or worthye@gepp.co.uk