The Rural Bulletin: 15th June 2018

Michael Gove brings Agriculture Bill forward to July

Defra secretary, Michael Gove, has announced that the new Agriculture Bill will be published in July, after previous speculation that it would not be released until the autumn. The Bill will set out the policy framework for UK agriculture post Brexit and is unlikely to include plans to cap payments to larger farms.

Mr Gove made the announcement on Wednesday (13 June), and suggested that Basic Payment reductions may be made on a single percentage, rather than a set cap, reported Farmers Weekly.

He said: “One of the things that has come though very strongly in the evidence from people across farming is that they would prefer there to be the same percentage reduction for all farmers who are in receipt of BPS.”

Changes to the Countryside Productivity Scheme

Defra has announced an extension to the 150-day claiming period for the Countryside Productivity Small Grants Scheme. NFU pressured Defra to extend the deadline after claimants experienced issues receiving funding due to limited equipment availability.

Farmers can now take delivery of their equipment and receive payments after the 150-day claim submission period. Defra also announced that a second round of funding, due to open in the autumn, will give farmers who withdrew their first application another chance to apply.

NFU Vice President Guy Smith said: “It is important that productivity schemes are based on what is deliverable within time frames that are practical.”

Deadline for Climate Change Levy approaching

The deadline for new applicants to join the NFU Climate Change Levy (CCL) scheme is fast approaching. The deadline of 31 July gives up to 93% discount on electricity and 78% on gas to qualifying businesses in the pig, poultry and protected horticulture sectors. However, to get a discount, producers must be members of the scheme.

The CCL rates, covering gas, electricity, LPG, coal and coke used by businesses in the UK are due to increase from April 2019 for those not holding a Climate Change Agreement (CCA). The NFU expects that for most businesses, this will mean an increase in electricity costs of 3% and of 7% for gas.

AHDB secures raft of emergency crop protection authorisations 

AHDB has secured a 120-day authorisation for the use of nine emergency crop protection products to help growers safeguard their crops. The authorisations cover potatoes, herbs, celery, carrots, parsnips, cherries and plums and are in response to late blight, aphids, spotted wing drosophilia and a number of weeds.

Viv Powell, AHDB Crop Protection Senior Scientist, said: “The authorisations will give growers the option to use these products as part of their integrated control strategies to help ensure a productive crop this season.” 

AHDB appoints its first director for Scotland

Paul Flanagan had been appointed AHDB’s first director for Scotland. The ex-First Milk Communications Chief will be the main point of contact for the Scottish Government and will be managing a team of 10 AHDB staff in Scotland to provide a cross-sector approach.

Speaking about the appointment, Mr Flanagan said: “This move recognises that the food and farming landscape in Scotland is unique, with a large proportion of mixed farms and a tight-knit group of influential stakeholders.”

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