Agriculture plays an exceptional role in supporting the Welsh language and social fabric of rural Wales, whilst contributing to over 220,000 jobs in Wales.
For every £1 invested in the agricultural sector, £9 is generated for the wider economy.
Despite agriculture being so crucial to Wales, the Labour Government in Cardiff Bay continue to neglect our fantastic farmers and agricultural sector. Just last month the Labour Government announced cuts to the 2023-24 rural affairs budget totalling £37.5 million.
In the Senedd today (13/12/23), the Welsh Conservatives are bringing forward a Senedd motion to mark the sheer importance that the agricultural sector plays in Wales, whilst calling on the Labour Government to ensure that no cuts will be made to the basic payment scheme budget for 2024.
Commenting ahead of the debate, Welsh Conservative Shadow Rural Affairs Minister, Samuel Kurtz MS said:
“Farming is the silver thread running through the fabric of Wales’ national identity. Welsh agriculture is not only a vital part of our economy, but it is part of our rich culture and protects both our language and our environmental beauty.
“I’m delighted that the Welsh Conservatives will be holding a Senedd debate to mark the importance of the agriculture sector, whilst calling on the Labour Government to ensure that no cuts will be made to the basic payment scheme budget for 2024.
“Farming needs a friend. That friend to farming is the Welsh Conservatives and we will continue to stand up, day after day, to ensure farming in Wales gets the support it deserves.”
The motion which will be debated on Wednesday reads:
To propose that the Senedd:
1. Recognises the exceptional role that the agricultural sector plays in Wales, with agriculture contributing to over 220,000 jobs.
2. Notes that for every £1 invested in the agricultural sector, £9 is generated for the wider economy.
3. Celebrates the role that family farms play in supporting the Welsh language and social fabric of rural Wales.
4. Regrets that the Welsh Government have introduced cuts to the 2023-2024 rural affairs budget totalling £37.5 million.
5. Calls on the Welsh Government to ensure that no cuts will be made to the basic payment scheme budget for 2024.
