Steve Double, Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay, has welcomed confirmation from the Chancellor, Sajid Javid that nearly £3 billion of funding will be provided in 2020 to support farmers once the UK leaves the EU.
The Chancellor has confirmed the cash will be used to support farmers once the UK leaves the EU this year, allowing them to plan for the future, sow their crops and care for their livestock with confidence.
The UK will leave the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Direct Payments scheme, which supports farmers across Europe with subsidies in 2020. This will be replaced by a new system based on public money for public goods.
The cash injection will allow the funding for Direct Payments for 2020 to continue at the same level as 2019 and supplement the remaining EU funding that farmers will receive for development projects until 2023 at the latest. We will guarantee the current annual budget to farmers in every year of the Parliament.
Commenting, Steve said:
“I regularly meet with local farmers to understand the issues they face and know this cash injection that will maintain the level of funding for Direct Payments at the same rate as 2018, will be welcome news to them.”
“This announcement will provide certainty for farmers in Mid-Cornwall, giving them confidence for next year and beyond as we go through Brexit and demonstrates our commitment to continue to support our farmers once we leave the EU’s Common Agriculture Policy. We have always said that we would provide the ongoing support local farmers need and this is the first instalment on delivering on that promise”
“I will continue to work with our vital agricultural community to ensure their needs are listened to and represented effectively as these key decision are made.”
Commenting, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sajid Javid, said:
“When we leave the EU and are freed from the Common Agricultural Policy, we will be able to support our vital rural communities – who are a cornerstone of life in the UK – with a fairer and less bureaucratic system.”
“Farmers can enter the New Year with confidence that they have our backing and will be able to thrive after Brexit.”
The funding announced will be available from late 2020, as in previous years.
The Government will therefore provide £2.852 billion of support, topping up the remaining EU funding, and matching the total funding for Direct Payment available for 2019.