The Welsh Conservatives have called for an additional £100 million for agriculture over the next four years from the Welsh Government to help farmers cope with the growing pressures facing the industry.
The call comes as thousands of farmers, agricultural businesses and rural organisations gather in Llanelwedd for this year’s Royal Welsh Show.
Last week, the Welsh Government’s Supplementary Budget was defeated in the face of opposition calls for significant changes. The Welsh Conservatives had criticised a failure to allocate even an extra penny for the economy or farming.
Andrew RT Davies MS, Shadow Minister for Farming and the Environment, said:
“Our farmers are facing unprecedented challenges, from rising costs and excessive regulation to uncertainty over future financial support. Over the past 27 years while Labour and Plaid Cymru have been making financial decisions in the Welsh Government, farmers have been let down.
“Welsh farming is not just another industry, it is the backbone of our rural economy. Farmers are the guardians of our countryside and are critical the United Kingdom’s food security. Farmers deserve a government that understands the challenges they face and is committed to supporting them.
“That’s why the Welsh Conservatives are calling for an additional £100 million for agriculture over the next four years, providing much-needed support to help farmers adapt, strengthen food production as well as supporting environmental improvements.
“As we gather in Llanelwedd today to celebrate the very best of rural Wales at the Royal Welsh Show, our message is clear: the Welsh Conservatives stand firmly behind our farming families. We will work with the industry, listen to farmers’ concerns and ensure agriculture has the support it needs to thrive for generations to come.”
ENDS
Comments are closed