Labour pausing SFS due to industry & Welsh Conservative pressure
Responding to the written statement on the Sustainable Farming Scheme from Labour’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, James Evans MS, Shadow Rural Affairs minister, said:
“I welcome the initial statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs this morning on the sustainable farming scheme. It is encouraging that he has listened to the concerns I have raised with him on the future of farming support in Wales.
“It’s a positive step to see that the Minister has listened to the industry, the unions, and all those thousands of people who responded to the consultation by delaying the implementation of the SFS, and committing to rolling forward BPS until 2025.
“However, what we need to see is real change to SFS in its current form. The farmers I speak to have major concerns about tree planting, common land, tenant farmers, and we need to have more detail from the cabinet secretary over amendments he is going to make to the scheme to make sure we have something that works for our farmers, and not against them, and safeguards the future of the industry.”
Celebrating World Farmers Day 2024, James Evans MS, Shadow Rural Affairs Minister, said:
“Today, the Welsh Conservatives join the celebration of World Farmers’ Day 2024. This day is a chance to recognise and show our appreciation for everything the farming and rural communities do for the people of Wales and beyond during some of the most challenging periods the industry has faced for many years. They are delivering world class safe food, produced to the highest welfare and environmental standards anywhere in the world.
“I am encouraging everyone to support our farmers wherever possible. People should use this day to support the farming industry and buy locally made produce from our small independent businesses helping to put money back into our local economy which supports the jobs and livelihoods of many families across Wales.
“The Welsh Conservatives will always stand with farmers and rural businesses. They are the backbone of the Welsh economy and our rural communities, and we will do what we can to protect them for generations to come.”
