Conservative candidates Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz say feed, fuel and fertiliser pressures are leaving farm businesses under growing strain

FARMERS in Ceredigion have warned that rising costs and political uncertainty are placing increasing pressure on the agricultural sector.

The issue was raised during a visit to Penlanlas Isaf dairy farm in Talsarn, where Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz met farmers including FUW Ceredigion chair Emyr Evans and his family.

The lead Welsh Conservative candidates for Ceredigion Penfro said the rising cost of the “three Fs” – feed, fuel and fertiliser – was a major concern for those working in the industry.

Farmers told the pair that all three essential inputs have faced sustained price pressure, while many businesses have little ability to pass on higher costs. They said this is squeezing already tight margins and adding to wider concerns about the future of farming.

The candidates also heard that uncertainty linked to policy changes from both the UK and Welsh Labour governments is making it harder for farmers to plan ahead with confidence.

Paul Davies said: “The message from farmers was clear – costs are rising across the board, but it is the three Fs, feed, fuel and fertiliser, that are hitting hardest right now. These are essential inputs, and when their prices rise, it has an immediate and unavoidable impact on farm businesses.”

Samuel Kurtz added: “Agriculture is the backbone of our rural economy, but farmers are being squeezed from all sides. Global instability is pushing up the cost of feed, fuel and fertiliser, while uncertainty around wider policies is making it even harder for farmers to plan for the future.”

During the visit, farmers explained that higher feed costs are directly affecting livestock operations, while rising fuel prices are increasing the cost of machinery, transport and day-to-day work. Fertiliser prices, they said, also remain volatile, putting further pressure on already stretched budgets.

Paul Davies said: “These are not optional costs. Farmers cannot simply cut back on feed, fuel or fertiliser. On top of that, uncertainty around new schemes and regulations is creating real anxiety within the sector. Farmers need clarity and confidence, not more unpredictability.”

Davies and Kurtz said the Welsh Conservatives are committed to supporting farm businesses and ensuring government backing is properly targeted, with a focus on food production and long-term viability.

Their proposals include investing an additional £100 million in the agriculture budget over the next Senedd term, placing food security and productivity at the heart of the Sustainable Farming Scheme, taking action to eradicate bovine TB in both livestock and wildlife, increasing the amount of Welsh food and drink served in schools and hospitals, moving away from an all-Wales NVZ “farming by calendar” policy towards a more targeted catchment-based approach, and continuing to campaign against the Family Farm Tax.

Samuel Kurtz said: “We need a system that recognises the real pressures farmers are under and responds accordingly. That means backing farmers through rising input costs, reducing uncertainty, and ensuring they have the confidence to invest and produce.”

Paul Davies added: “Our farmers are essential to our economy, our food supply and our rural communities. Farming needs a friend right now, and farmers will always have a friend in the Welsh Conservatives.”

Extra patrols, more rail security and tougher action promised after violent disorder left four youths injured

POLICE and partner agencies have announced a reinforced summer safety response following the violent disorder at Tenby railway station which left four youths with stab wounds.

Dyfed-Powys Police said it will work closely with Pembrokeshire County Council, British Transport Police and Transport for Wales in the coming weeks and months to ensure a robust response to anti-social behaviour and violent offending.

The move follows the serious disorder on Tuesday, April 7, at Tenby train station. British Transport Police, which now has primacy for the investigation, said enquiries are continuing at pace.

In a major joint statement, Superintendent Louise Harries, BCU Commander for Pembrokeshire, said the force does not want the spring and summer season to be “defined” by anti-social behaviour or violent disorder.

She said: “The events which took place at Tenby train station on Tuesday 7th April were wholly unacceptable. Dyfed-Powys Police responded in the immediate aftermath of the incident, but now our colleagues at British Transport Police have primacy over this investigation and are conducting fast-paced enquiries into establishing the facts.

“Whilst we maintain a strong working relationship with our partners all year round, this incident has of course prompted further specialised joint work to robustly tackle anti-social or violent incidents, as well as ensure the peace of mind of our communities.”

Members of the public can now expect to see a visible police presence in hotspot locations over the coming weeks and months, aimed both at reassuring communities and deterring potential offenders.

Police said officers will make arrests and pursue prosecutions where necessary, and may also use anti-social behaviour powers to require individuals to provide their details or leave a particular area for up to 48 hours.

Superintendent Harries also thanked residents and business owners for their support following the Tenby incident, saying community intelligence and reports to police would be vital in shaping the response.

Pembrokeshire County Council said the incident had been “deeply concerning” and acknowledged the anxiety it had caused among residents, businesses and visitors.

Richard Brown, Assistant Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire County Council, said the authority was working closely with the police and other agencies to support the ongoing investigation and tackle wider anti-social behaviour issues.

He said parents and carers should remain aware of where young people are spending time, particularly in the evenings, as the county moves towards the busy summer period.

British Transport Police also confirmed a further three teenagers were arrested on Wednesday (Apr 9) on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and violent disorder. They have since been released on bail.

A 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man who had already been arrested in connection with the incident have also been released on bail while further enquiries continue.

British Transport Police Superintendent Jonathon Cooze said: “We recognise the concern felt within the community following the recent incident at Tenby station, and I would like to reassure the public that our investigation is progressing at pace.”

He urged anyone who witnessed the incident, or events leading up to it, to contact British Transport Police quoting reference 916 of April 7.

Transport for Wales has also confirmed it will deploy extra security teams at stations and on rail services across west Wales this weekend and throughout the summer months.

Simon Turton, Security Manager at TfW, said additional security would focus particularly on late-night services and key locations, backed by CCTV at stations and on-board trains, as well as body-worn cameras used by train crew.

The latest developments mark a significant escalation in the official response to the Tenby violence, with police, transport operators and the council all signalling a tougher and more visible approach as the holiday season approaches.

Man remanded in custody following Diamond Street vehicle search

A MAN has been remanded in custody after appearing at Swansea Crown Court charged with drug, weapon and driving offences following an arrest in Pembroke Dock.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers from Pembrokeshire Roads Policing and response teams searched a vehicle on Diamond Street on Saturday (Apr 4).

Following the search, Zamurd Hussain, 43, was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Hussain was later charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A, possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, and driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

He appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (Apr 6), where he was remanded in custody.

His next court appearance is due to take place at Swansea Crown Court at 9:00am on May 8.