Local MS calls for farming proposals to be scrapped

Russell George MS is calling for the Sustainable Farming Scheme proposals to be scrapped, citing concerns over the impact on Welsh farmers and the rural economy.

The Welsh Conservatives have tabled a motion in the Senedd to remove the requirement for farms to have 10% tree cover and to overhaul the current proposals.

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Mr. George has been vocal in his opposition to the SFS, joining farmers in Newtown for a protest against the scheme. He highlighted the potential consequences of the scheme, including a significant reduction in Welsh livestock numbers, thousands of jobs lost on Welsh farms, and a substantial economic hit of £199 million to the rural economy.

In a statement ahead of the debate in the Senedd, Mr. George expressed frustration with the Welsh Government's approach to the farming industry, accusing them of failing to listen to farmers' concerns. He emphasized the importance of the farming sector to the economy, society, and culture of Wales, and pledged to work with farming union representatives to push for a new scheme that has the support of the farming community.

The Welsh Conservatives motion, set to be debated on Wednesday, calls on the Welsh Government to scrap the current SFS proposals and develop a new scheme in collaboration with farmers.

The motion also highlights the lack of trust in the Welsh Government among Welsh farmers, as revealed in a recent poll commissioned by the Country Land and Business Association in Wales.

The debate in the Welsh Parliament is scheduled to begin at around 5.30 pm on Wednesday,