Agriculture

Motions to approve the Direct Payments to Farmers (England) (Amendment) Regulations and the World Trade Organisation Agreement on Agriculture (Domestic Support) Regulations 2020 for approval. Raises concerns about Welsh farmers' ability to sell their product in the EU post-Brexit.

Raises specific concern regarding Welsh lamb exports and seeks clarity on government plans to address potential issues faced by Welsh farmers if 50% of their products cannot be sold in the European Union after Brexit.

The speaker supports the statutory instruments but raises concerns about livestock movement traceability, direct payments for farmers, and WTO compliance. He emphasises the need for a smooth transition to new agricultural support schemes without harming farmers' financial stability.

Intervened to critique the suggestion of switching to beef production as an alternative solution, highlighting environmental concerns and questioning if unsold produce will be destroyed due to tariffs.

Asked about the continuity of payment schemes for livestock movement across Northern Ireland and the mainland UK, emphasising the need for flexibility in animal movement between different regions.

Mr. Kruger spoke about the shift in subsidies from traditional farming to environmental stewardship and the need for a balanced approach that supports both food production and environmental goals. He also mentioned the importance of statutory oversight in trade deals to protect food standards and farming interests.

Mr. Doogan raised concerns about the reliance on a percentage of total UK support for Scotland, the potential impact of state aid principles in the UK Internal Market Bill, and the shortfall in rural Scotland's funding as promised by the Government.

The hon. Member for Victoria Prentis addressed several key points related to the new livestock traceability service, including its projected net benefit of £30 million over ten years and the involvement of DEFRA and the AHDB in decision-making. She also discussed the Direct Payments to Farmers (Legislative Continuity) Act 2020, emphasising that future direct payment reductions will be legislated through statutory instruments starting early next year. The Minister assured Scottish farmers that their funding commitment is greater than what was spent under the common agricultural policy and acknowledged the hard work of the Rural Payments Agency in paying farmers promptly. She further outlined plans for new schemes to support sustainable farming practices, including a slurry scheme and research and development opportunities.