Farmers to protest in Cardiff against Sustainable Farming Scheme plans

Today's demo follows action by farmers on the steps of the Senedd in February.

This is the second time farmers have protested at the Senedd in 3 months
Author: Claire BoadPublished 14th May 2024

Welsh farmers are set to protest in Cardiff against Welsh Government plans including the introduction of the sustainable farming scheme.

The new scheme proposed by the Welsh Government wants farmers to commit 10% of their land to green initiatives, such as planting trees.

A consultation on the issue has now closed with responses now being looked at by the Welsh Government.

Other reasons farmers are protesting include stricter rules over the use of human-made fertiliser and efforts to tackle bovine TB.

Back in February, thousands of farmers protested outside of the Senedd over these plans. However, since then, farmers have said their concerns are not being listened to.

Liam Price is a beef and sheep farmer from Neath. He said he is protesting due to the lack of action from the Welsh Government.

"We haven't had any answers, we haven't heard anything else from the government"

A walking protest is due to set off from Cardiff Arms Park and head towards the Senedd. Meanwhile a tractor protest will make its way from Culverhouse Cross towards the Senedd.

Liam told us farmers feel like they are fighting for their livelihoods.

"If the sustainable farming scheme does come in, they reckon there is over 5 and a half thousand job losses. I don't understand how they can bring a scheme in that will bring in that many job losses".

He also told us he is worried that farmers won't be properly reimbursed for any income they lose from the sustainable farming scheme.

"If we are going to go down the environment route, does that mean the prices are going to go higher for the stock? Are the prices going to be where they should be because we are doing environmental things? Or have we got to take that impact?"

Finally, Liam told us farmers are already trying to do their bit for the environment.

"Last year we planted over 20 trees and over 250 meters of hedge. We've done that off our own bank. they play a massive role in the farming community. But, to take out one of your best fields for trees it sounds bizarre to any farmer you speak to."

Climate Change and Rural Affairs minister Huw Irranca Davies is set to make an announcement about the Sustainable Farming Scheme in the Welsh Parliament later.

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