It is positive to see that at least some steps are already being considered from the Rural Affairs Minister’s announcement (27 Feb) with regards to the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).
FUW President, Ian Rickman said: “We have made the feeling of our members abundantly clear during our meeting with the Welsh Government (19 February). At that meeting we called for a rethink of the current SFS proposals and for closer collaboration of the changes needed on the scheme in conjunction with interested parties and both farming unions.
“However, it is important to distinguish between being economically sustainable and economically resilient. It is also imperative that we fully consider the impacts of any woodland and habitat requirements, even if they don't go as far as to make farm businesses 'unviable'.
“As a Union, we will continue to work with the Welsh Government on the development of the SFS. We will also continue in our endeavours to lobby WG officials and the Rural Affairs Minister to change direction on their TB policy and discuss the way forward on the agricultural pollution policies.
“As thousands of farmers descend on the Senedd today to relay the strength of feeling towards the current SFS, we thank them for their commitment to producing quality food during trying times.
“As custodians of the Welsh landscape with generations of our ancestors who have cared for the green hills that surround us, we are proud to stand in unity on the Senedd steps today.
“We must also thank the public for their continued support to the industry. We have received messages of support from across Wales and beyond in recent weeks, and we are grateful that people appreciate the steps we take to produce quality, wholesome food within our local communities.
“Lastly, freedom of expression and peaceful protest is a fundamentally important right within a democracy. It is a Human Right and incorporated into UK Law. We stand proud to express ourselves safely, with dignity with respect to others. I’d urge everyone to enjoy the day, and act peacefully and within the law,” he concluded.
Farmers’ Union of Wales officials and staff continue to encourage and support members and rural businesses to respond to the current Welsh Government consultation on the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS). The consultation closes on Thursday 7th March 2024.