Speaking in Questions to the Rural Affairs Minister this afternoon, William Graham AM drew attention to the decline in Dairy Farming in South East Wales:
‘Gwent has suffered the largest percentage fall in dairy farms over the last year, with a worrying 12.1% of farmers leaving the industry between September 2009 and September 2010 – compared to the Wales average of 5.5%.’
The Conservative AM for South Wales East continued:
‘With milk prices being so low, it is essential that the Assembly Government examines ways of arresting the decline in dairy farming in the region. It is vital that the Government engages with Gwent farmers on the issue and listens to their continued concerns regarding the Glastir scheme.
‘This week the NFU Cymru council warned that an alarming number farmers in the region were unable to complete the form and that the scheme would lead to parts of Wales reverting to wilderness.’