Tynwald supports big changes to subsidy scheme for farmers

Major changes to a subsidy scheme for Island farmers have passed their latest hurdle.

Tynwald has supported a series of measures as part of the Countryside Care Scheme – now rebranded as the Agricultural Development Scheme.

It will support farmers to become market-focused while helping them to manage the landscape.

An ‘active farmer’ clause will also be introduced to target payments to those managing land and carrying out agricultural activity – but not for a further year to allow more engagement with the industry.