Overview

This Agriculture Bill aims to reshape UK agricultural policy post-Brexit. It introduces new financial assistance powers for environmental protection and productivity improvements, modifies existing EU legislation on direct payments to farmers, and establishes new data collection and market intervention mechanisms. It also introduces provisions for fairer supply chains and compliance with the WTO Agreement on Agriculture.

Description

The bill is divided into several key parts. Part 1 grants the Secretary of State powers to provide financial assistance to support environmental land management, public access to the countryside, climate change mitigation, and improving agricultural productivity. Part 2 addresses financial support after Brexit, outlining a seven-year agricultural transition period during which direct payments to farmers will be phased out and replaced with delinked payments. This section also allows for modifications to existing EU legislation governing agricultural and rural development payments. Part 3 establishes a system for collecting and sharing data related to agri-food supply chains to improve transparency and risk management. Part 4 provides powers to the Secretary of State to intervene in agricultural markets during exceptional circumstances, offering financial assistance to affected producers. Part 5 focuses on setting marketing standards and carcass classification for agricultural products. Part 6 promotes fairness in the supply chain by establishing a system for recognizing producer organizations and imposing fair dealing obligations on first purchasers of agricultural products. Part 7 covers regulations ensuring compliance with the WTO Agreement on Agriculture. Part 8 concerns red meat levies and payments between levy bodies in Great Britain. Finally, Part 9 and 10 outline provisions for Wales and Northern Ireland, and final provisions including commencement and interpretation clauses respectively.

Government Spending

The bill authorises new expenditure for several purposes, including financial assistance under section 1(1) or (2) or 20(2), delinked payments under section 9(1)(b), and operating public market intervention or aid for private storage mechanisms under retained direct EU legislation in response to a declaration under section 19. Specific figures are not provided in the bill text, but considerable increases in government spending on agriculture are expected.

Groups Affected

• Farmers: Direct payments will be phased out, potentially impacting income. New financial assistance schemes may offer alternative support, but eligibility criteria will be crucial. Fairer supply chain provisions aim to improve farmer's position in the market.
• Agri-food businesses: New data-sharing requirements may impact operations and commercial interests. Market interventions and producer organizations may offer both opportunities and challenges.
• Environmental organizations: Increased funding for environmental land management is anticipated, creating opportunities for collaboration and project development.
• Consumers: Potential impacts on food prices and food supply are difficult to predict.
• Public Authorities: Increased responsibilities in data collection, market monitoring and implementation of new schemes.

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