Following the new First Minister’s statement setting out her Welsh Government’s priorities, James Evans MS is worried whether farmers’ concerns are being taken seriously.
While Eluned Morgan MS committed to improving healthcare, creating green jobs and boosting educational standards - farming or the wider agricultural industry was not listed as one of the four priorities, leaving a great deal of uncertainty among many.
“Despite the widespread opposition shown to the Sustainable Farming Scheme earlier this year, I am very concerned that the new First Minister failed to mention farming as one of her top priorities,” said Mr Evans, MS for Brecon and Radnorshire.
"While the First Minister claims to have been engaged in a summer 'listening exercise’, it seems that the Welsh Labour government is still turning a deaf ear to the urgent concerns of our farmers and the wider agricultural industry.
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"The Welsh Conservatives remain the only party committed to actively working with farmers to develop policies and schemes that support their livelihoods and contribute to a thriving rural economy. I am urging the Welsh Government to reconsider its priorities and ensure that the needs of our farming communities are adequately addressed."
In a statement to the Senedd yesterday afternoon, the First Minister committed to driving forward progress across four key areas.
• ‘Iechyd da’ - A Healthier Wales - cutting NHS waiting times, including for mental health; improving access to social care and services for women’s health.
• Green jobs and growth - creating green jobs that tackle the climate crisis and restore nature, while making families better off; accelerating planning decisions to grow the Welsh economy.
• Opportunity for every family - boosting standards in schools and colleges and providing more homes for social rent, ensuring every family has the chance to succeed.
• Connecting communities - transforming our railways and delivering a better bus network; fixing our roads and empowering local communities to make choices on 20mph.
“Delivery, accountability and improved productivity will be the watchwords of my government,” said Ms Morgan.
“Making things happen on the people’s priorities, including more transparency and visibility for the public, so taxpayers know where things are going well and where there is room for improvement.”