A11 Views of interested organisations.pdf - Agra CEAS Consulting

MID-TERM EVALUATION OF THE RDP WALES
A11.2.5. Environment
The CCW explains that disaggregating the various policy influences on the environment is extremely
complex. In this context it should be recalled that the RDP is dwarfed financially, and hence in terms
of influence, by, amongst other policy initiatives, the CAP. The Farming Union of Wales state that
the increasing raft of environmental legislation (EU and national) is likely to have a far greater impact
on the environment than the RDP. However, the CCW consider it likely that the RDP has led to
some positive environmental benefits, although whether these are always manifested will depend on
the influence of other factors at particular locations.
Assessing the environmental impact of the RDP is further hampered by the fact that a substantial
number of the indicators listed within the Plan are, in the view of the CCW, output rather than
outcome related. This is thought likely to result in a reduced emphasis on collecting the type of
information necessary for a full and systematic evaluation of the environmental impacts of policy.
The National Trust Wales adds that the failure to carry out research into an environmental baseline
makes it difficult to see how objective evidence of environmental improvement might be gathered.
Results from Tir Gofal environmental monitoring are not yet available, but the CCW believes that
the scheme is having a noticeable impact on the reintroduction of arable cropping in parts of mid-
Wales. RSPB Cymru also believes that Tir Gofal has resulted in important environmental benefit,
especially in terms of landscape improvement. The CCW feel that this impact is bolstered by the
existence of other RDP schemes including Tir Mynydd, and the introduction of new technology such
as ‘crimping’ of cereal silage. NFU Cymru also feel that Tir Gofal is delivering environmental benefit,
although they believe that a part-farm scheme would complement the whole-farm approach by
allowing access to those farmers unable to commit the whole farm. However, RSPB Cymru strongly
supports the whole farm approach.
Research on the environmental impact of Tir Mynydd has been undertaken for the CCW and this
suggests that in 15% of cases there was an intention to change from pure-bred to cross-bred ewes 3 .
This change may have positive implications for the management of unimproved hill land because
traditional breeds are generally better adapted to adverse weather conditions and poorer quality
herbage.
The CCW feels that the small average size of woodland under the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme
may reduce the environmental potential of the woodlands created. It should be noted that the
Forestry Commission have carried out a review of the FWPS and the Woodland Grant Scheme and
in future these will be targeted more closely in line with the priorities set out in the Woodland for
Wales document.
3
This was the result of a relaxation in the requirement to stock pure-bred flocks.
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