During spokesperson’s questions to Labour’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affair, The Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Perter Fox MS, called on the Welsh Government to clarify its position on the future of agricultural funding, following contradictory statements from Labour ministers that have caused alarm within Wales’ farming community.
Commenting, The Welsh Conservative shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Perter Fox MS said:
“The UK Labour Government has already put farmers under undue stress due to their decision to impose a damaging tax hike on family farms, but the decision to stop ringfencing agricultural funding means Welsh farmers could lose out on £150 million a year.
“Whilst the Welsh Labour Cabinet Secretary called for the rural affairs budget not to be barnetised, he also implied that it should not be ringfenced, which raises further uncertainty for farmers who need strong, decisive decisions — not mixed messages.
“We need clarity from the Welsh Labour Government, if funding levels remain the same but are not ringfenced for rural affairs, will the Welsh Government commit to spending the full amount on supporting our agricultural sector?”
