James Evans fears rural Wales is facing “potential devastation”.

The Brecon and Radnorshire MS said at the Senedd that he was opening a debate on the Welsh Government’s proposed sustainable farming scheme “with a heavy heart”.

He said the scheme, in its current form, threatens “the very fabric of our communities”.

Mr Evans said: “It threatens the fabric of our farmers, our families, our friends and the whole of rural Wales.

“The Government's own commissioned impact assessment figures paint a grim picture - 5,500 job losses, 122,000 livestock units lost and, to top it all off, a staggering £199 million loss to the economy.

“Those numbers aren't mere statistics - they represent real people and real families. This is the Welsh Government's own commissioned impact assessment.

“These impacts are concerns from seasoned farmers to the bright eyes of our young farmers and the wider associated businesses.”

Mr Evans said the sustainable farming scheme in its current form casts a long shadow of uncertainty and unworkability for many farming businesses in Wales.

He said: “At the heart of our anxieties lies the potential erosion of the very foundation of rural communities.”

Following the debate on Wednesday, Mr Evans said the Welsh Government must listen to farmers’ concerns around the scheme amid the demonstration at the Senedd that afternoon.

Thousands of people from the agricultural industry travelled down to the Senedd to voice their concerns and opposition to the scheme, which they say is unworkable in its current form and will fundamentally damage our rural communities.

This follows on from the unprecedented numbers turning up and recent consultation events and union gatherings.

James Evans
James Evans said the Sustainable Farming Scheme, in its current form, threatens “the very fabric of our communities” (Senedd.tv)

Mr Evans added: “The number of farmers that turned up to the Senedd today sends one very clear message to the Welsh Labour Government. The current Sustainable Farming Scheme proposals are unworkable and will fundamentally damage rural Wales. The frustration and anger they are feeling right now is understandable.

“The Rural Affairs Minister along with the rest of the Welsh Government must listen to their concerns today, get back around the table and create a scheme that actively workers for farmers and not against them.

“I urge everyone across Wales to have their say on the consultation before it closes on March 7. Everyone in Wales will be affected by these proposals – so make sure your voices are heard.”