The Royal Welsh Show 2026 was a great success, as it is every year.
It really shows the best of our rural communities. Folk are never afraid to say it how it is, which is why I love it so much.
There was, unsurprisingly, much dissatisfaction with the Senedd.
I was told many times that the place should be scrapped. That’s the consequence of politicians pursuing out of touch policies and failing to listen.
The week did not get off to a good start, with Plaid Cymru separatists announcing a real terms cut to farm support schemes.
The BBC headline covering the story was grossly misleading.
It referred to the scheme’s “billion pound budget”, but the reality is quite different. The scheme’s budget is £340 million a year – the same as farms have received since 2012.
As Shadow Farming Minister, I announced a number of policies at the Show to help our agricultural industry thrive.
Firstly, I unveiled plans for a £100 million uplift to the farming budget.
Britain currently produces less than 60% of our food. In an uncertain world, that’s nowhere near enough. Farmers need far more support to make our nation more self sufficient.
I also announced a policy to strengthen food labelling regulations.
Welsh and British produce is of the highest standards. Sadly, much foreign food imported from abroad is not. Better labelling will ensure consumers aren’t misled about products’ origins.
Farmers spend long days out on the land alone. It can be incredibly isolating.
I therefore announced a policy to provide more mental health support for farmers.
All of these policies would make a big difference to our agricultural industry and our rural communities.
It’s time to end projects like the Nation of Sanctuary for asylum seekers and Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan. Instead, resources should be prioritised properly.
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