Speaking in the Senedd last week, Mr Evans questioned Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd MS, following a statement on Wales' preparations for flooding and severe weather ahead of the winter months. James highlighted that £102 million has been allocated annually to the Optional and Collaborative layers of the Sustainable Farming Scheme, but questioned how much of that funding would be specifically directed towards flood prevention measures.

He argued that if the Welsh Government expects farmers and landowners to play a greater role in natural flood management, adequate financial support must be provided to enable them to deliver those measures.

Responding, the Cabinet Minister said he did not have a precise figure available but suggested that a dedicated funding stream for flood mitigation could be developed through the scheme's Optional and Collaborative layers.

James Evans MS, Member of the Senedd for Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd, said: “Farmers and landowners have an important role to play in helping reduce the risk of flooding, particularly in rural areas, but they cannot be expected to deliver these measures without the proper financial support in place.

“The Welsh Government has committed £102 million to the Optional and Collaborative layers of the Sustainable Farming Scheme, yet the Minister could not tell me how much of that money will actually be directed towards flood prevention and mitigation.

“With winter approaching, we need more than warm words about working with farmers. If the Welsh Government is serious about using natural flood management to protect our communities, they must provide clear funding commitments and ensure farmers have the resources they need to deliver these schemes.”