Farmers have quizzed Senedd election candidates at a hustings event at Llanelwedd.

The event, held at the YFC Cymru Centre at the Royal Welsh Showground on Tuesday, April 28, was organised by the Brecon & Radnorshire branches of NFU Cymru and the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW), alongside Brecknock YFC and Radnor YFC.

Representatives from Gwlad, Plaid Cymru, Reform UK Wales, the Welsh Conservatives, Welsh Labour and the Welsh Liberal Democrats set out their parties’ priorities for agriculture and rural communities, before taking questions from the audience.

Issues raised included planning policy, rural infrastructure and the long-term future of Welsh farming.

Speaking about the event and tomorrow’s election more widely, NFU Cymru County Chairman Edward Harris said: “Welsh agriculture is going through a time of great change at present, but with this comes great opportunity. It’s imperative that Welsh agriculture, the food we produce, the jobs we support and the landscape we care for are seen as a priority by all those aspiring to sit in the next Senedd and those who will form the next Welsh Government.

“This event has allowed us to question the candidates and understand their vision for the future of farming in Wales, and also to see how well their policies match the particular needs of the new constituency. More than ever, it is vital rural voices are heard. There will be considerable expectation on those who are elected and those who form the next Welsh Government, and so it was vitally important for the farming community in Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe to be able to quiz the candidates on their policies. Delivering a thriving rural economy is also vital if we are to encourage the next generation of young people to stay in rural communities.”

NFU Cymru’s manifesto sets out a range of key priorities, including a comprehensive farm-to-fork food strategy and future policies that place food production at their core. It also calls for increased use of Welsh food in the public sector.

The document further highlights wider priorities, including tackling bovine TB, improving water quality, and securing a ring-fenced, multi-annual budget for Welsh farming.

FUW Senedd and Parliamentary Affairs Officer, Lauren Price added: “We’re very grateful to the candidates for taking their time to support this event. The discussion highlighted just how critical this election will be for the future of Welsh farming. Key issues including the Sustainable Farming Scheme, environmental regulations, land use, and securing the next generation of farmers were central to the debate.

“With significant changes and challenges facing the sector, events like this play an important role in ensuring those concerns are clearly heard ahead of polling day.”

Tomorrow (Thursday, May 7) voters across Wales will go to the polls for the Senedd elections.

The Senedd will increase in size from 60 to 96 Members, with 16 constituencies across Wales. Each constituency will elect six Members of the Senedd.

Voters will cast a single vote for a political party or independent candidate.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm.