Anna Nicholl MS calls on the Welsh Government to value farmers as equal partners
Ceredigion Penfro Member of Senedd, Anna Nicholl MS has welcomed the Welsh Government's broad ambition to strengthen rural resilience and sustainability, but warns that farmers and local communities need to be involved in designing the detail to make sure policies work in practice – across agriculture, the food system and the wider rural economy.
During the Senedd debate on 23 June, Ms Nicholl referred to her recent visit to a farm in Pembrokeshire with the Farmers' Union of Wales, noting the significant challenges facing the sector. She highlighted farms that are leading the way by working with Farming Connect to reduce emissions, boost biodiversity and increase profits at the same time.
In welcoming some of the Government's priorities – including tackling bovine TB, reforming NVZs and cutting red tape – Ms Nicholl stressed that this gave the industry "fresh hope", and asked how the Government will work with farmers in formulating policy details.
In his response, the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability noted that the Sustainable Farming Scheme is being refined based on feedback, with an emphasis on working with the sector and ensuring that the system is easier to navigate and offers greater long-term certainty.
The need to strengthen the food system and rural economy was also referred to as part of the wider vision. As Anna Nicholl MS said:
"It's clear that change is needed to respond to the climate and nature crises, but that change must happen with our rural communities, not against them. It's not just farming that matters here – it's about keeping our food system strong, supporting local businesses, and securing jobs in our rural areas.
Farmers in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire want to see a system that is fair, simple to navigate, and provides real financial security – whilst also tackling the nature and climate crisis. It's positive to hear that the Government is talking about less bureaucracy and more partnership. I look forward to seeing that happen in practice now."