Rural Bulletin: 22 March 2018

UK and EU agree terms for Brexit transition period

The EU and UK have agreed a 21-month transitional period from 29 March 2019 to December 2020, to allow the UK to negotiate and sign trade deals after Brexit. However, despite the seemingly positive move the NFU has called for further clarity.

NFU President, Minette Batters said: “There is still outstanding vital information which food and farming businesses need to understand. It’s vital that there is a smooth transitional period for the farming industry, avoiding any cliff-edge scenario. This is best achieved by retaining membership of the EU Customs Union until a settled free trade relationship comes into force.”

RSPCA calls for new farm support system to boost animal welfare

The RSPCA has called for a two-tier system for farm support, that incentivises higher welfare standards, to be an integral part of post-Brexit farm support.

Tier one would be a “transitional payment” with money awarded to producers for things like improving buildings, stockmanship training or to compensate for higher running costs. Tier two payments would be awarded to producers who are members of a higher-welfare farm assurance scheme.

David Bowles, head of public affairs at RSPCA said: “This scheme would give farmers the financial leg-up they need towards much higher welfare production. Our proposals provide the practical details which Governments are seeking to make their vision work.

"We’ve set out a highly workable two-tier proposal for farmers to be paid to invest in higher animal welfare standards, while ensuring they are not undercut in any new trade deals.”

Scottish government launches £4.2m new entrant scheme

The Scottish government has announced £4.2m of grants for young or new farmers wishing to pursue a career in agriculture. The award – which is part of the New Entrant Start-Up Grant - will enable 81 successful applicants to receive a cut of the funding which is designed to help create and develop new farm businesses. 

Scottish rural affairs secretary, Fergus Ewing said: “It’s vital to the sustainability of agriculture in Scotland that we do everything in our power to encourage new entrants into farming. 

“With the average age of Scottish farmers currently close to 60, there is an emphasis on encouraging young people into farming. But new entrants of any age are welcome and can help to drive innovation and improve best practice across the industry.”

Government invests £67m for superfast broadband

Chancellor Philip Hammond has announced a government investment of £67m for faster internet connections

The nationwide Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS) will provide vouchers worth up to £3,000 for small or medium businesses or £500 to residents to help with the costs of connecting to full fibre broadband.

This investment would be of particular value to those in rural areas where connectivity is a major barrier to rural economic growth, said John Mortimer, south west director at the CLA.

“The ability of rural businesses and homes to pool vouchers will be essential in ensuring that the momentum towards universal connectivity is maintained. When used together with other schemes, hard to reach rural areas will finally realise the advantages of superfast broadband.”

Find out more