Roger Williams

Liberal Democrats | Brecon and Radnorshire

English farmers treated as second class citizens

Commenting today on a Written Ministerial Statement (WMS) by Jonathan Shaw MP, Minister for Food and Rural Affairs, Roger Williams MP, Liberal Democrat Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson, has criticised the government for not going far enough in their targets for the Single Payment Scheme.

“The Government have today announced a target of 80% of 2008 SPS claims to be paid by 31st January 2009 and 90% of SPS claims to be paid by 31st March 2008.

“This target is not high enough and many farmers will be left waiting far longer than they should have to to receive vital payments.

“The EU requires 96% of the fund to be spent by June and it is quite possible that the Government won’t meet this target.

“In Wales 75% of farmers were paid on the first days of December so the target of 80% by the end of January for English farmers puts them at a real disadvantage when they try to compete in the market.

“English Farmers are being treated as 2nd Class citizens and the Government must act to ensure a level playing field in the agriculture industry across the UK.”