The National Farmers’ Union of Wales (NFU Cymru) has called on the new Welsh cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs to address its concerns relating to the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).
Huw Irranca-Davies was confirmed as the new cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs yesterday (Thursday, March 21) after First Minister Vaughan Gething announced his new Cabinet.
NFU Cymru has congratulated Irranca-Davies on his new position and is looking forward to meeting with him “at the earliest opportunity given the numerous and well-documented challenges currently facing Welsh farmers”.
NFU Cymru president Aled Jones said: “We anticipate an early meeting with the cabinet secretary to talk through the very pressing challenges the sector faces and the ongoing unrest in the industry.
“One of the top policy priorities will be for the cabinet secretary to address the union’s concerns around the current Sustainable Farming Scheme proposals.
“We will also be asking the cabinet secretary to recognise the emotional and financial impact of current Welsh government bovine TB policy.
“In addition to this, NFU Cymru will impress upon the cabinet secretary the need to review the unworkable water quality regulations that Welsh farmers are subject to.”
Huw Irranca-Davies
Jones said Irranca-Davies brings a “wealth of experience to the portfolio” as he previously presided as a Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs parliamentary under secretary and a shadow Defra minister.
“I’d like to offer my congratulations to Huw Irranca-Davies MS on his appointment as Welsh government cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs,” he said.
“In his role as a member of the Senedd, he has engaged regularly with NFU Cymru and our members.
“Indeed, we met with him earlier this week when he attended our Sustainable Farming Scheme drop-in session at the Senedd. We were pleased to be able to share our key asks to Mr Irranca-Davies.
“NFU Cymru has a vision for Welsh farmers to be world-leaders in the production of climate friendly food and we look forward to working with the new Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs to help Welsh farming realise its ambitions.”
