In the Senedd today, the Welsh Conservatives are calling on the Welsh Labour Government to bring forward a final, binding vote in the Senedd on its proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme.

The call for a final vote prior to the implementation of the SFS is to ensure democratic legitimacy and the confidence of the agricultural sector.

Commenting ahead of the debate, Welsh Conservative Shadow Secretary for Economy, Energy and Rural Affairs, Samuel Kurtz MS, said:

“Agriculture is vital to the Welsh economy, culture and language, and farmers need clear answers to plan for their future, their livelihoods, and their communities.

“It's only right that the Welsh Labour Government's Sustainable Farming Scheme is put to a final Senedd vote, to ensure democratic legitimacy, and the confidence or the agricultural sector.”

Also commenting ahead of the Debate, NFU Cymru President, Aled Jones, said:

“I am immensely proud of the unparalleled contribution that Welsh farming makes to society in Wales, feeding the nation, caring for over 80 per cent of the land area of Wales, whilst supporting our rural communities, language, environment, and culture.

“Welsh farming employs nearly 50,000 people on our farms with around 230,000 employed across the entire food and drink supply chain, making it Wales biggest employer. Our farm output is valued at over £2.2 billion annually and we underpin a Welsh food sector worth £9.3 billion to the economy of Wales. For every £1 of public money invested through the BPS we deliver £9 back to the economy of Wales and with 43 per cent of farmers speaking Welsh our farming families play a crucial role in underpinning our language, culture and the social fabric of rural Wales.

“The SFS has been proposed as the primary form of farm support for a generation to come, and as such it is important that there is the opportunity for the Senedd to scrutinise the scheme and to have its say on this once in a generation change.

“At NFU Cymru we are ambitious for the future of Welsh food and farming, and we firmly believe we can continue to grow our unrivalled contribution to Welsh society given the right backing, policy, regulatory framework and budget support.”

Also commenting ahead of the Debate, FUW President, Ian Rickman, said:

“The Sustainable Farming Scheme marks a generational milestone for Welsh agriculture. Over recent years the FUW has left no stone unturned in lobbying, negotiating and challenging the Welsh Government in order to secure a workable Scheme for the future of our thriving, sustainable family farms across Wales.

“We therefore welcome this debate, and are pleased that once again the floor of the Senedd is being used to scrutinise changes of real importance to Welsh farmers.”

The motion which will be debated today reads:

To propose that the Senedd: