James Evans is pressing the Welsh Government to support poultry farmers.

The Brecon and Radnorshire MS stressed in the Senedd the importance of ensuring farmers have a viable future.

He said that one sector in particular facing huge pressure is the poultry industry as farmers are managing avian influenza and a massive rise in energy costs.

Mr Evans asked Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths, what the Government is doing to support poultry farmers to make sure they have a sustainable and viable future.

Ms Griffiths said Wales has seen an unprecedented series of outbreaks of avian influenza over the past two years.

She told Mr Evans: “It’s a really difficult time for poultry producers because many farmers have diversified into poultry farming.“It’s important that we look at this across the UK.

“Next Monday, I’ll be having my regular inter-ministerial group meeting with my counterparts from across the UK.

“I’ve asked for this to be an agenda item because we need to work as four nations to support our poultry farmers.”

Last week, the Welsh Government announced new measures were being put in place as surveillance of avian influenza suggests a heightened risk of disease for Wales over the winter months. The new compulsory biosecurity and housing measures for bird keepers are set to come into force tomorrow (Friday).