Call for democratic legitimacy as farming unions back scrutiny

THE WELSH Conservatives have called for a final, binding vote in the Senedd on the Welsh Government’s proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), warning that the plan could damage the rural economy and undermine confidence among farmers.

Ahead of a scheduled Senedd debate next Wednesday (July 16), Shadow Secretary for Economy, Energy and Rural Affairs Samuel Kurtz MS said the Labour-led scheme must be put to a vote before implementation.

He said: “Agriculture is vital to the Welsh economy, culture and language, and farmers need clear answers to plan for their future, their livelihoods, and their communities.

“It’s only right that the Welsh Labour Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme is put to a final Senedd vote, to ensure democratic legitimacy and the confidence of the agricultural sector.”

The Welsh Conservatives claim the original plans would have led to the loss of 5,500 farm jobs, a reduction of more than 120,000 livestock, and a £200 million hit to the Welsh economy. They also described the tree-planting and biodiversity targets as “unrealistic.”

Figures highlighted by the party show that farming employs nearly 50,000 people directly, with 230,000 jobs supported across the wider food and drink sector. The industry is worth £2.2 billion annually, with the food sector valued at £9.3 billion.

NFU Cymru president Aled Jones added his support for a Senedd vote, saying: “Welsh farming feeds the nation, cares for over 80% of the land area, and supports our rural communities, language and culture.

“For every £1 of public money invested through the BPS, £9 is returned to the Welsh economy. With 43% of farmers speaking Welsh, our farming families also play a crucial role in underpinning our language and rural society.

“The SFS is the biggest change in farm support for a generation. It is vital the Senedd has the chance to scrutinise it properly.”

FUW president Ian Rickman echoed those sentiments: “The Sustainable Farming Scheme marks a generational milestone for Welsh agriculture. We welcome this debate and are pleased the Senedd is being used to scrutinise such important changes.”

The motion due to be debated reads:

“To propose that the Senedd: Recognises the importance of agriculture to the Welsh economy, culture, language, environment, and rural communities.
Calls on the Welsh Government to bring forward a final, binding vote in the Senedd on its proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme, prior to its implementation, to ensure democratic legitimacy and the confidence of the agricultural sector.”

The debate is expected to begin at 6:30pm on Wednesday (July 16) and will be broadcast online.

THE PRINCSS ROYAL will be visiting this year’s Royal Welsh Show at Llanelwedd on the first day, Monday, July 21.

It will be her seventh visit to the four-day show, having first attended in 1981. Her most recent visit was in 2022 and her return reflects her ongoing support for agriculture and rural life.

The Princess Royal will tour showground after attending the annual meeting of The Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth, of which she is president. The meeting is being held at the show.
 
“We are absolutely thrilled that The Princess Royal will be joining us at this year’s Royal Welsh Show,” said Aled Rhys Jones, Royal Welsh Agricultural Society chief executive. “Her Royal Highness has long been a passionate advocate for agriculture and rural communities.
 
“We look forward to sharing with her the many highlights of this year’s event, including the exciting innovations and developments that have taken place since her last visit.”
 
The show remains one of the largest and most prestigious agricultural events in Europe, celebrating and showcasing the best of Welsh farming, food and rural culture.
 
For more information about the show, visit: www.rwas.wales .

Picture caption:

The Princess Royal inspects the sheep entries at the 2022 Royal Welsh Show.

Hundreds gather to witness 663 ewes shorn in eight hours

A WELSH shearer has smashed the British record for the most ewes shorn in eight hours during a remarkable solo attempt in Mid Wales.

Huw Jones, aged 27, from Machynlleth, set a new British 8-Hour Solo Ewe Shearing Record on Saturday (July 6), shearing 663 ewes at Hendreseifion farm — eclipsing the previous record of 539 held by Martin Howlett.

The event began at 7:00am and concluded at 5:00pm, with hundreds of spectators present to support and cheer Jones on as he worked with extraordinary speed and precision. The site also holds local significance, being where Meirion Evans achieved a shearing record 12 months ago.

Speaking after the attempt, a visibly exhausted but elated Jones said: “Today has been an amazing day. Thank you to everyone who has helped me achieve what I have here today. Records like this are never just about the shearer — they’re a team effort. I couldn’t have done it without all of you.”

He also paid tribute to his family, saying: “My family has always supported me in everything I’ve done. I want to especially mention my grandad, who is sadly no longer with us. He was the one who started me shearing, and I hope he’s looking down on me today.”

The day also raised funds for the Welsh Air Ambulance and Aberdyfi Search and Rescue — two charities close to the hearts of many in the local community.

Gareth Jones, Head of Member Engagement at British Wool, said: “On behalf of British Wool, we offer huge congratulations to Huw on this outstanding achievement. It was a display of high-quality shearing, and Huw should be immensely proud. We also acknowledge the tremendous effort of everyone behind the scenes who made the day possible.”