Wales

Farmers in Wales can expect to keep direct payments until at least 2022 under new plans outlined by the Welsh Government as it moves towards a Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).

The UK Government’s decision to cut agricultural funding in the devolved nations will have far-reaching consequences for every farm in Wales, says Plaid Cymru MS Llyr Gruffydd.

Ministers from the devolved nations have called for assurances that all EU funding for the countryside will be fully replaced, after it emerged Treasury proposals would see rural budgets slashed by more than £455m.

The UK’s internal market will not be distorted if Scottish farmers keep their direct payments after Brexit, Defra Secretary George Eustice has said.

If the past few months have taught us anything, it’s that the safe, reliable supply of sustainable food is important to the public. Welsh Government would be wise to recognise food production as a public good, says NFU Cymru president John Davies.

Welsh vets responsible for TB testing face being moved to ports such as Holyhead to deal with Brexit issues after January 1, presenting major concerns for animal health.

A ban on low-standard imports may not be possible, but there are still plenty of ways our local produce can be championed, says Janet Finch-Saunders, Welsh Conservative Shadow Rural Affairs Minister.

As a farmer’s son, and someone who married into a farming family, I understand the importance of a properly functioning internal UK market to the agriculture sector, says Paul Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives.

The RSPB has defended its record on biodiversity on Lake Vyrnwy after a moorlands organisation accused the charity of mismanagement.

NFU Cymru is encouraging farmers in Wales to respond to a survey about the future of the uplands.