The Chancellor has given a welcome boost to UK farmers and rural communities by announcing nearly £3 billion of funding for 2020.
Sajid Javid confirmed the cash will be used to support farmers once the UK leaves the EU next 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, this year. 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 for farmers in every year of the Parliament.
Speaking after the announcement, Robert said: "Farming is vital to West Oxfordshire's local economy and forms a key part of our area's identity. I regularly meet with local farmers to understand the issues they face and know that this cash injection will come as welcome news.
"The announcement provides certainty to farmers in West Oxfordshire, giving them confidence for 2020 and beyond. As we leave the EU, it demonstrates our commitment to better supporting our farmers as we leave the EU's Common Agricultural Policy.
"I will continue to work with our local agricultural community to ensure their needs are listened to and represented effectively as these key decisions are made."
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."
Environment Secretary, Theresa Villiers, said: "Outside the EU we will have a simpler, fairer funding system – one that rewards farmers for enhancing our environment and safeguarding our high animal welfare standards. We are committed to making sure our rural communities feel the benefits of Brexit and will ensure our farmers get a better deal."
