The future of the agricultural industry in Brecon and Radnor was at the forefront of discussions during a recent meeting of Brecon and Radnor NFU Cymru officeholders, with Roger Williams MP.
Held on-farm at Wernoog, Clyro courtesy of Mr and Mrs Stuart Morris, local farmers got the opportunity to question the politician on his views on a diverse range of issues that are currently affecting the industry such as the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform, Bovine TB, and the red meat sector.
The potential impact of the CAP reform on the agricultural sector in Brecon and Radnor was a prominent topic of discussion at the meeting. NFU Cymru County Vice Chairman, Stuart Morris, said, “Impending changes to the CAP could have a significant impact on our farming businesses in Brecon and Radnor. I cannot stress how important the direct support that is currently delivered to farming through Pillar one of the CAP is to the rural economy in this county.
“We have real concerns with regard to the possibility of up to 15 per cent of direct payments being siphoned off to rural development measures. This would be on top of resource required to be set aside to fund the National Reserve and Young Farmers elements of Pillar one and will put enormous pressure on Welsh farming businesses, businesses that on average already receive some of the lowest levels per hectare of direct payments in Europe.”
Commenting on the problems caused by bovine TB, Glasnant Morgan, Brecon and Radnor NFU Cymru County chairman added, “Bovine TB is one of the biggest threats to the future viability of the cattle herds throughout Wales. I was heartened by the endorsement by the majority of MPs in Westminster of the UK government’s comprehensive eradication strategy in England, where two pilot badger culls are taking place. In contrast the Welsh Government is failing to adopt and deliver a comprehensive policy that will effectively deal with the disease in both the cattle and wildlife populations.”
Mr Morris concluded, “I am grateful to Mr Williams for meeting with us and giving us the opportunity to share our concerns about the future of the agricultural industry in the county. It is absolutely vital that our MPs and AMs understand that decisions made in Westminster and Cardiff Bay have a huge impact on farming businesses and rural communities in areas such as Brecon and Radnor and we look to our locally elected representatives to work with us.”
