Talks expected after 3,000 farmers meet in Carmarthen over strike action

Welsh Government is expected to hold talks with farming unions following concerns over changes to farmer subsidies which saw around 3,000 farmers gather at Carmarthen's livestock market on Thursday, February 8, to discuss the proposals and possible strike action.

Farmers across Wales are warning that protests are "inevitable" over the planned Welsh Government reforms.

Unions warn that a new Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) set to come in from 2025, is "unworkable".

To be eligible for the subsidy payments, farmers must ensure that 10% of their land is planted with trees and 10% is treated as wildlife habitat.

The aim is to reward "sustainable" food production and practices that help tackle climate change and nature loss.

However, unions fear these conditions will be unworkable and mean more red tape and paper work for many.

David and Jinsy Robinson are organic dairy farmers from Penyrallt Farm near Newcastle Emlyn in the Teifi Valley and were at the meeting.

David said: "One of the requirements in the proposed new scheme is that every farm in Wales plants 10% of its land up with trees regardless of topography.

"The scheme is based on a one size fits all basis, which for a farm like ours with around 230 acres, 180 of which we farm, we can meet the requirements for habitats as we have woodland and ponds.

"However, for a smaller farm of say under 100 acres, that takes out more land that would be otherwise used for production, so the scheme will hit every farm differently and it will be a lot of paper work and red tape.

"If the new scheme is taken up by every farm it would result in the loss of
122,000 grazing livestock units and a potential 5,000 jobs.

"This loss of production would mean that yet more food would have to be imported."

Following the Carmarthen meeting and one in Welshpool, Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths has invited leaders of NFU Cymru and the Farmers' Union of Wales to discuss their members' concerns.

The summit has been arranged following an urgent request from NFU Cymru president Aled Jones who met with the minister last week to express the deep sense of feeling and anguish that the industry is feeling at this moment in time.

Mr Jones said: “We met with the Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths to express the deep concerns of the industry and we left her in no doubt over the strength of feeling and seriousness of the situation following the robust feedback we have received from our series of roadshows.

"I welcome the fact that the minister recognises the serious concerns of farmers and as such has agreed to meet and look at ways to address these issues.

“Having travelled the length and breadth of Wales and met with thousands of members, it is clear that the current Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) consultation and the proposals laid out in it are causing a deep sense of anguish and concern as members contemplate the future scheme and the implications on their own individual business.

“The minister has assured me this remains a genuine consultation and so I would urge anyone with an interest in Welsh farming to respond and let the Government know directly the strength of feeling that exists amongst our farming community.

“The current consultation which proposes that the Basic Payment Scheme will be fully phased out in 2029 with no long-term stability payment in its place within the SFS is set against the backdrop of a challenging time for Welsh farmers.

"Agricultural inputs are over a third higher than pre-Covid times, water quality regulations have added a huge regulatory and cost burden on farming businesses and bovine TB continues to cause heartache to farming families.

“NFU Cymru will take the concerns of the industry directly to the minister at our meeting, and we will clearly set out our key asks.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson: “The minister regularly meets with stakeholders, including the farming unions.  

"A meeting has been scheduled to discuss the roadshows organised by the Welsh Government and both unions regarding the SFS consultation, once they have been completed.”

“The SFS aims to secure food production systems, keep farmers farming the land, safeguard the environment, and address the urgent call of the climate and nature emergency.

“We have run an extensive co-design exercise in developing the SFS and we thank the hundreds of farmers who have been involved.

"The final consultation on the scheme is still open and we encourage everyone to reply with their views by March 7.

"No final decision will be taken on the scheme until after the consultation has taken place, and we will listen carefully to all views."

NFU will discuss the SFS consultation at a meeting on Monday, February, 26 at 7.30pm at the Ivy Bush Hotel, Spilman Street, Carmarthen.

Members will discuss their thoughts on the consultation to be included in the NFU Cymru response.

NFU Cymru Carmarthenshire chairman, Hefin Jones said: “I know this has been said a few times over the past few years, but the next 12 months will be one of the most important years we will face as an industry.

"We all need to make our voices are heard and that we respond to this consultation, personally and collectively.

"This will shape the future of our industry so please come along and have your say.”

Anyone wishing to attend the meeting is asked to register beforehand by contacting the NFU Cymru office on 01982 554200.