Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011

Local AM welcomes changes to Glastir

Plaid Minister’s collaborative and inclusive approach praised

Carmarthen East & Dinefwr AM Rhodri Glyn Thomas has welcomed changes to Glastir – the new all Wales Agri-Environment Scheme being introduced by Plaid’s Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones AM.  Mr. Thomas praised the collaborative and inclusive approach adopted by the Minister for the review which saw close consultation with farmers and their unions.  The 5 year all-farm agreement replaces the existing Tir Mynydd, Tir Cynnal, Tir Gofal and the Organic Farming Schemes.

Local AM Mr. Thomas is Chair of the National Assembly’s Rural Development Sub-Committee and led the committee’s review of the Glastir scheme in 2010.  The committee’s report, which made a series of recommendations to the Minister, was subsequently welcomed by the farming community.

Plaid Cymru Minister, Elin Jones AM, has announced significant changes to be made to the scheme following the recommendations of an independent review of the All Wales Element (AWE) of Glastir.  The independent group was set up by the Minister in order to learn the lessons of the first application round and to consider how processes could be improved. 

Plaid Cymru’s Rhodri Glyn Thomas said:

 

“As Chair of the Assembly’s Rural Development Sub-Committee I am pleased Elin Jones has demonstrated once again that she is a Minister who listens.

 

“The farming community and unions had made a series of representations regarding Glastir.  As a consequence, Elin set up the independent review.

 

“I commend the Minister for her inclusive approach and for taking the concerns of the farming community very seriously indeed.  Farmers will now see a more flexible and practical scheme.

 

“Our rural economy is facing an uphill battle as we wait in anticipation for the next attack on agriculture from Westminster.

 

“In Government, Plaid has shown it will always listen and ensure the work we do directly reflects the needs of the community.  Elin’s announcement is yet another example of Plaid delivering.”

diwedd / ends

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