Welsh Rural Development February 18, 2014 12:00 am The Welsh Government is asking for views on how almost £1bn of Rural Development funding should be spent over the next seven years. A consultation on the Welsh Rural Development Programme for 2014 to 2020 has been launched. Full details can be seen at – http://wales.gov.uk/consultations/environmentandcountryside/wales-rdp-2014-2020-final-proposals/?lang=en In terms of funding, the £302 million of EU Rural Development (RD) funds allocated to Wales will be co-financed by the Welsh Government at 57% (adding £400m). In addition the controversial 15% Pillar Transfer adds a further £244m. With a small amount rolled-over from the current programme, the total Welsh RD budget is £953m. This compares to the £847m during the 2007-2013 period. Although this looks like a 12.5% increase, it must be remembered that all these figures are at current prices, not in real terms. It is proposed that spending be split across a number of blocks, as set out in the following table; Human & Social Capital Measures 11% £105m Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Advisory Services Cooperation (building on Faming Connect & Supply Chain Efficiencies Scheme) European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability Investment Measures 15% £143m Investment in Physical Assets Farm and Business Development (to include a Young Farmers Scheme) Quality Schemes Risk Management Restoration of Forestry and Agricultural Production Potential Area Based Measures 60% £572m Agri-Environment-Climate (Glastir) Organic (within Glastir) Forestry Natura 2000/Water Framework Directive LEADER and Local Development 10% £95m LEADER Rural Community Development Fund Technical Assistance 4% £38m It can be seen that the largest element of funds will be channelled to Glastir. However, there looks set to be a substantial budget for improving the competitiveness and efficiency of agriculture through investment and training. This is one of the key ideas of the Minister Alun Davies. One of the reasons he was so keen on a high Pillar Transfer rate was to create enough money to fund some ‘transformative’ schemes to help Welsh agriculture manage the change to a regional payment system. The consultation confirms that much of the activity and individual schemes under the RDP 2007-13 will continue (but probably with some rule changes). The aim is for new programmes to start from 1st January 2015. The consultation closes on 14th April.
