James Evans has praised the Royal Welsh Winter Fair after spending two days meeting farmers, rural businesses, families and volunteers from across Powys and beyond.

The Brecon and Radnorshire MS said the event highlighted the resilience and community spirit of rural Wales.

Mr Evans welcomed the number of visitors choosing to shop locally, supporting Welsh makers, producers and family-run businesses.

“Stalls selling handmade gifts, Welsh crafts and brilliant local food and drink were packed,” he said.

“Events like this show the pride we have in what we produce here in Wales, and how important our rural economy is to local jobs and communities.”

Mr Evans also used the event to outline Welsh Conservative proposals for farming, including a £100m boost to the agricultural budget, scrapping the ‘family farm tax’, replacing the Sustainable Farming Scheme, and introducing a science-led programme to tackle bovine TB.

“Our farmers deserve better than uncertainty and endless regulation,” he said.

“That’s why the Welsh Conservatives have set out bold and positive plans to back Welsh farming with real investment, fairer rules and the Welsh Farming and Countryside Scheme which genuinely values the role our farmers play.”

Mr Evans said these plans would give farmers hope and “a clear alternative to the damaging policies pursued by the Welsh Labour Government.”

“Our rural communities thrive when government supports, not hinders, those who keep Wales fed,” he said.

“I will continue standing up for farmers in Brecon and Radnorshire and making sure their voices are heard loud and clear in Cardiff Bay.”

The Winter Fair at Llanelwedd, one of Europe’s leading prime stock shows, offered two days of competitions, exhibitions and displays. Visitors also enjoyed a bustling Food Hall and a range of stalls, perfect for picking up unique Christmas gifts and sampling the best of Welsh produce.