Following the new First Minister’s statement setting out her Welsh Government’s priorities, James Evans MS is worried whether farmers’ concerns are being taken seriously.
While Eluned Morgan MS committed to improving healthcare, creating green jobs and boosting educational standards - farming or the wider agricultural industry failed to get a mention, leaving a great deal of uncertainty among many.
James Evans MS, Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, said:
“Despite the widespread opposition shown to the Sustainable Farming Scheme earlier this year, I am very concerned that the new First Minister failed to mention farming as one of her top priorities.
"While the First Minister claims to have been engaged in a summer 'listening exercise’, it seems that the Welsh Labour government is still turning a deaf ear to the urgent concerns of our farmers and the wider agricultural industry.
"The Welsh Conservatives remain the only party committed to actively working with farmers to develop policies and schemes that support their livelihoods and contribute to a thriving rural economy. I am urging the Welsh Government to reconsider its priorities and ensure that the needs of our farming communities are adequately addressed."