Farmers’ voices must be top of the agenda in UK negotiations with the EU

Farming industry representatives have met in Llanelwedd, Powys, for a conference on farming in Wales post-Brexit.

Hundreds attended the event, organised by the Farmers Union of Wales, and Welsh Conservatives have today called on the UK government to put farmers’ voices at the top of the agenda in negotiations with the EU.

Shadow Spokesman for Rural Affairs, Paul Davies, said:

“Leaving the European Union presents Welsh farming with significant challenges as the EU market has been hugely important to our farmers – which is why we must work tirelessly to get the best deal possible.

“A better targeted farming policy will help the industry, but both the UK and Welsh Governments need to ensure that farmers’ voices are heard and that their concerns are at the top of the agenda when negotiating a deal with the European Union.

“In the long run we will also have an opportunity to reform public sector procurement laws, to give local produce the best chance to prosper and grow. I share the concerns of the industry, and that’s why it’s absolutely essential to ensure that all options are explored and that no opportunities are missed throughout the negotiation process.”