Confidence of rural sector in the commitment of Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales, at an all-time low
Welsh Government Agency, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has written to landowners explaining that they are unable to finalise Land Management Agreements before the end of the financial year.
CLA Cymru Director, Victoria Bond-Rees, says, “Farmers, landowners and occupiers of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) feel increasingly abandoned by the Welsh Government, and more will be forced to withdraw from environmental and conservation initiatives if land management is no longer incentivised.
Last year land managers were informed of significant reductions in support from the interim scheme, Habitat Wales. And as we approach the deadline for responses to the Welsh Government’s consultation on the Sustainable Farming Scheme, Welsh agriculture is shrouded by doubt in the Government’s commitment to meeting its goals in natural conservation and agricultural production alike.
Confidence of the rural sector in the commitment of WG and NRW to supporting the rural economy, and one-third of its population, is at an all-time low.”
