Montgomeryshire AM Russell George has called on the Welsh Government to help the agricultural industry become more competitive and support farmers in more challenging parts of the country.
In a debate on the Welsh Government’s Rural Development Programme, he called for the establishment of a stand-alone scheme to support farmers in less favourable areas, such as hill and upland farms.
Speaking in the Assembly Chamber, the Shadow Minister for the Environment criticised the Labour Government for deciding to transfer 15 per cent of direct funding to farmers through Pillar 1 of the Common Agricultural Policy to the Rural Development Programme, which will make the Welsh agricultural industry less competitive.
Mr George said: “At a time when farm incomes in Wales are under considerable pressure, Labour is making it even more difficult for Welsh farmers to compete with farms in other parts of the UK and Europe.
“Many parts of Wales are particularly hilly and are more challenging to farm, but are no less important to protect for wildlife and as beautiful aspects of the Welsh landscape.
“The Welsh Government’s farming support schemes should recognise the particular challenges of farmers in less favourable areas and help them compete in the global race.
“Competition and the drive of supermarkets to reduce farm gate prices has made it increasingly difficult for farming businesses to make ends meet and protect jobs.”
Mr George and Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies will be holding a surgery for farmers at Welshpool Livestock Market on Monday, 12th May.
