Farming
Farming communities face ‘unprecedented changes’
A PERFECT storm is brewing over Welsh agriculture as financial, economic and bureaucratic burdens conspire to present unprecedented challenges for our farming communities, writes Llyr Gruffydd, Plaid Cymru Shadow Minister for Sustainable Communities, Energy and Food. Some of these burdens are out of the direct control of the Welsh Government but many of them are within its power, and indeed some are of its own making. Whilst Plaid Cymru at both Westminster and the European Parliament voted to protect Welsh farmers from cuts to the overall EU budget and subsequently a cut in CAP funding it was clear that Cameron, Clegg and Milliband had different ideas.
The resulting 10% cut to CAP for the 2013-2020 period set the tone for what will be a difficult new settlement for many. Whilst you could argue that this decision was beyond the influence of the Welsh Government the decision to transfer 15% away from direct payments to Welsh farmers was selfinflicted. Given the difficult period of change and economic challenges facing the industry Plaid Cymru had argued for a more modest transfer.
Taking well over a quarter of a billion pounds out of the pockets of Welsh farmers – the maximum allowed by the EU, will be a deeply damaging decision, particularly given that our competitors in other parts of the UK and the EU faced a much more palatable prospect – 12.5% in England, 9.5% in Scotland and 0% in Northern Ireland. Add to this the recently confirmed 7% drop in the exchange rate and you begin to see the scale of challenge facing many of our rural communities in the coming period.
One estimate suggests that a farmer who had received £10,000 in 2013 will receive around £7,879 in 2014 – a 21% drop. This of course comes on the back of the 44% drop in total farm incomes seen over 2013 and the continuing difficulties in farm gate prices for red meat and milk. Given these unprecedented challenges, it is crucial that the Deputy Minister allows farmers time to adapt and offers practical support in doing so. Plaid Cymru for example has consistently called for a dedicated funding scheme for farmers in Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC), particularly those farming in the moorlands who face the most challenging conditions.
Farming moorlands has become increasingly difficult and with much reduced CAP funding the decision by the Welsh Government not to act on our calls means for many, it will simply become unviable. Any business facing challenging economic times must be given as much flexibility as possible to respond to those challenges if it is to emerge the other side. Farming is no different. Government has a key role to play in this respect but at the moment progress is patchy and slow. The Working Smarter Agenda has moved this forward but these efforts must be seriously accelerated – starting with scrapping the six day standstill rule.
I accept that budgets have been squeezed but I’m not convinced that the Welsh Government is doing enough to seek out new additional support for the industry. Through our representation on the committee of the regions in Europe for example, Plaid Cymru has been making the case for the European Investment Bank to take rural aspects of regional economies into account and consider co-financing aspects of the Rural Development Programme.
Allowing programmes to draw down funding from the European Investment Bank to complement its funding through the Welsh Government’s RDP would allow that money to go much further – delivering many more positive outcomes for rural communities across Wales. Difficult times demand difficult decisions. And whilst the Welsh Government will no doubt argue that those are exactly the decisions they are making – the most difficult decision of all is to admit that sometimes you are wrong and that you must steer a different course.
Farming
Special farming role for senior Pembrokeshire councillor
AN OFFICIAL special farming role for Pembrokeshire’s deputy leader is to be established following a call made to full council, the first time the council has had such a role for a senior member.
In a question to council leader Cllr Jon Harvey, heard at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s full council meeting, Conservative group leader Cllr Di Clements asked: “With the recent changes in the budget from the UK Labour Government on Inheritance Tax and Agricultural Property Relief, many Pembrokeshire farmers are feeling concerned for the future of their family farms, many in Pembrokeshire which have been in the same family for generations.
“I have always found it disappointing that in all the years I have been a councillor, and the major contribution farming has to this county’s economic, cultural and environmental well-being, there has never been a Cabinet Member’s title with rural affairs or farming, or agriculture within it.
“To show that this council recognises the importance of agriculture, and the hundreds of millions of pounds generated by farming, will the Leader consider including it in one of the titles of his Cabinet Members’ portfolio?”
Responding, Cllr Harvey said: “I full share your perspective; it’s true this council has never had a Cabinet member with this role; however I can reconsider, I regard all aspects of rural life as vitally important.”
He told members farming and rural affairs came under the portfolio of the deputy leader [Cllr Paul Miller], adding: “we’re all aware of the changing aspects of rural life at the moment, we do have a rural affairs champion in Cllr Steve Alderman, but I’ve had a conversation with the deputy leader and agreed to review this title to reflect the importance of the role and will happily make an announcement in the next few days.”
Cllr Clements responded: “These words say a lot, it shows this council recognises the importance of the most constant and probably most important business in the county.”
Farming
Call for Pembrokeshire to oppose farming inheritance tax withdrawn
A CALL on Pembrokeshire County Council to oppose government changes to inheritance tax affecting family farms has been withdrawn, but its proposer hopes his motion will return to a future meeting.
At the Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced farmers would have to pay inheritance tax on agricultural property and land worth more than £1 million at a rate of 20 per cent, with a £3m threshold for couples passing on their farms.
This compares to a 40 per cent rate on other estates.
A Notice of Motion by Councillor Aled Thomas, ‘relating to Protecting British Family Farms and Preserving Rural Communities’ was to be heard at the December 12 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s full council meeting.
Cllr Thomas, who stood as a Conservative candidate for Ceredigion-Preseli in the 2024 general election, asked that: “Pembrokeshire County Council notes its concern to the proposed changes to inheritance tax announced by the Labour Government in the recent Autumn budget, which would scrap Agricultural Property Relief (APR).
“APR has been instrumental in allowing British family farms to remain intact across generations, supporting food security, sustaining rural communities, and aiding environmental stewardship. This tax is estimated to impact over 70,000 family farms, leaving the average farming family with a tax bill of at least £240,000, which will force many to sell portions of their land or close entirely, paving the way for corporate ownership over family ownership.”
It called on the council to resolve to “oppose the Labour Government’s changes to inheritance tax affecting family farms,” to “advocate for the exemption of family farms to preserve the UK’s food security, rural communities, environmental initiatives,” and to “commit to maintaining its county council farms portfolio, particularly to encourage younger and new generations of farmers into the industry”.
It finished: “This council urges all councillors to stand with Britain’s family farms, to support our rural communities, and to protect the environment by formally rejecting this proposed ‘family farm tax’.”
At the December 12 meeting Presiding Member Cllr Simon Hancock informed members the notice had been withdrawn from the meeting.
Speaking after the announcement, Cllr Thomas, himself a farmer, said: “There was a dispute whether I should have been allowed to submit it as I am a farmer, so I took advice from the monitoring officer that I should withdraw it until I can get a dispensation from the standards committee to speak on the matter.”
He said he hoped to get the motion resubmitted to be heard at the next council meeting.
Farming
Welsh Lamb shines at the Winter Fair Taste Awards
THE ROYAL WELSH WINTER FAIR TASTE AWARDS, showcasing the finest native lamb breeds of Wales in a celebration of sustainability, flavour and culinary excellence, were hosted by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS).
The awards, held in collaboration with Cambrian Training Company, the Culinary Association of Wales and the National Culinary Team Wales, spotlighted the exceptional quality of Welsh Lamb and its unique characteristics.
The competition aimed to promote native Welsh Lamb breeds and emphasise their distinct flavours, encouraging chefs, businesses and consumers to consider Welsh Lamb a premium product.
The RWAS says the competition provides a vital platform to showcase the exceptional flavours of native Welsh Lamb breeds while promoting sustainable farming practices.
These lambs are grass-fed, raised in Wales and come with full traceability from farm to fork. The initiative aims to highlight the story behind the meat and the dedicated efforts of farmers in preserving these breeds.
Societies representing seven native Welsh Lamb breeds participated in the competition, held at the Cambrian Training Company building on the Royal Welsh Showground at Llanelwedd.
Each breed’s lamb was expertly cooked by chefs and presented to a distinguished panel of judges, including Dilwyn Evans, a vet featured on TV series ‘Clarkson’s Farm’, Steven Owen, Castell Howell development chef, Neil Fenn, Professor Rhian Goodfellow, OBE and Arwyn Watkins, OBE, executive chair of Cambrian Training Group.
The breeds showcased included Badger Face Welsh Mountain (Torddu and Torwen), Balwen Welsh Mountain, Black Welsh Mountain, Clun Forest, South Wales Mountain, Llanwenog and Pedigree Welsh Mountain.
Each lamb had been bred, born and reared in Wales, ensuring sustainable and traceable farming practices.
The awards highlighted the diversity among native Welsh Lamb breeds, from the Torddu and Torwen’s hardy nature to the Llanwenog’s docile temperament and premium meat quality.
Farmers and breed societies demonstrated the unique traits of their lambs, such as flavour, sustainability and adaptability to diverse farming environments.
Arthur Davies (South Wales Mountain) and I. T. Davies & Son (Clun Forest) were declared joint winners of the Royal Welsh Winter Fair Taste Awards. Both breeds impressed the judges with their remarkable flavour, tenderness and quality, showcasing the very best of Welsh Lamb.
The event emphasised the importance of promoting the culinary excellence of Welsh Lamb alongside its visual appeal in show rings.
Guest judge, Dilwyn Evans said: “It has been an absolute honour to judge the Royal Welsh Winter Fair Taste Awards and experience first-hand the superior taste of native Welsh Lamb.
“This exceptional meat not only embodies the rich heritage and dedication of Welsh farming but also highlights the importance of preserving these unique breeds and the sustainable practices behind them.”
The RWAS thanked the judges and Cambrian Training Group for their continued support, helping ensure the lambs were cooked to perfection for the competition.
With the awards, Wales has cemented its position as a leader in premium lamb production, bringing the exceptional flavours of its native breeds to the forefront of the culinary world.
Pictured top of page: Taste Test joint winners, Arthur Davies (South Wales Mountain) and I.T . Davies (Clun Forest) with the judges.
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