SINGLE FARM PAYMENT IN SEVERELY DISADVANTAGED AREAS

That this House supports the principle of decoupling of farm subsidies from production and the move to a single farm payment; notes that the Government's decision to adopt a phased introduction of area payments in England contrasts with the historic method of allocation in Wales and Scotland and will lead to enormous disparity in support payments for similar farms; is concerned that the additional introduction of a lower rate payment in severely disadvantaged areas in England will lead to a catastrophic cut in support payments for many hill farmers which could result in the loss of up to 5,000 livestock farms; and calls on the government to reconsider its proposals for payments in severely disadvantaged areas in order to maintain a viable livestock industry.