Farmers cannot be the ones to suffer

I CAN’T quite believe I am writing my first column in December. Despite such unprecedented times and the Coronavirus pandemic changing all our lives, the year has certainly flown by. With less than 30 days left until we leave the EU, it is absolutely critical that the UK Government and the EU agree a new trading arrangement that will allow us to continue to export our high quality food and drink products on favourable terms.

The recent Chancellor’s Spending Review appears to show a £95 million funding shortfall for Welsh farmers for next year. We have seen some quite strong words from both the UK and Welsh Governments on this issue, we are at NFU Cymru are clear that this matter must be resolved and Welsh farmers cannot be the ones to suffer from political disagreements between Westminster and Cardiff Bay. Any reduction in funding puts at risk the significant contribution that farming makes to Welsh society and the multi-billionpound Welsh food and drink sector.

We have also written to the Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths to highlight that this matter must not impact on funding levels for the Basic Payment Scheme in 2021. The BPS is a vital measure in supporting farmers and rural businesses who rely on farmers for so much of their income.

NFU Cymru recently launched a report which highlighted the unique contribution of the Welsh uplands, as well as the sector’s concerns for the future. The report, which brought together the results of a survey of over 750 farmers, was titled ‘Vision for Welsh Upland Farming’ and emphasised the contribution made by Welsh upland farming communities to food security, the environment, the economy, rural communities and the Welsh language.

The survey highlighted that farmers are extremely proud of their roles as food producers and as custodians of the environment. It also showed that those surveyed were worried that farm profitability, trade deals and future policy could cause significant threats to their businesses as well as upland farming.

The research provided a compelling argument that future Welsh agricultural policy should include a stability measure to support farmers by protecting them against the increased volatility that affects businesses, trade and production. This backing would ensure farmers across Wales can continue to provide safe, affordable food, as well as boosting the economy, enhancing the environment, caring for our cherished landscapes and being champions of Welsh language, culture and rural communities.

I urge you all to head to the NFU Cymru website and have a look at the report, which is available in English and Welsh.

Finally, a reminder that new measures to protect poultry flocks from avian influenza will come in to force on December 14. These new measures mean that every poultry keeper, whether you have one hen in the garden or a large poultry business, must house their birds indoors. Everyone with poultry needs to take these measures seriously.