What governance for agri-food systems post-Brexit?

Away from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the UK and its devolved (decentralised) administrations of Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland have considerable scope to develop their own agricultural policies – including determining the underpinning values and objectives. Public rhetoric has pushed a Green Brexit drive away from area/land-based payments (as they exist under the CAP) and towards supporting farmers according to a ‘public money for public [environmental] goods’ formula. However, the removal of direct (CAP) payments and a shift in financing policy will impact significantly on the agri-food industry across the UK, with potentially significant impacts for small farms and the devolved administrations in particular. Key questions arise as to whether the overall aims and approaches are appropriate. Consequently, we are concerned with whether the policies can promote a sustainable and resilient agriculture. To this end, it is necessary to consider (i) what does resilience entail and whether this is suitable frame; (ii) what flexibility there is to develop resilience; and then overall (iii) whether the policies enable, promote and/or ensure resilience? In doing so, the paper will also take into account the relationship between the devolved administrations and the UK Government/Westminster (including the potential to influence each other’s policies); and the central role that small, family farms can play in promoting biodiversity and rural communities.