Green Man organisers are set to run a farm which has been bought by the Welsh Government for more than four million pounds.
It is understood that Gilestone Farm, in Talybont-on-Usk, will employ 174 people and focus on sustainable farming, local food and climate change according to information which was leaked to the BBC last week.
The Welsh Government confirmed buying the farm for £4.25 million when its economy minister was questioned by Brecon and Radnorshire MS James Evans at the Senedd yesterday - Wednesday, May 18.
Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones said she has raised a number of “serious concerns” regarding the Welsh Government’s purchase of the farm.
She said that since the Welsh Government’s decision to buy the farm was leaked at the end of last week, a large number of constituents have contacted her to express their concerns.
The Conservative MP said that after becoming a “thorny topic of conversation” at the Brecon County Show President’s Lunch, she will be holding a number of meetings with local residents on the top this week.
Ms Jones said: “Since the announcement was made, my phone and inbox have almost exploded with constituents getting in touch. There is no doubt that the Green Man Festival is an extremely successful event, but there are a number of troubling features about the Welsh Government’s decision. I have written to the Minister responsible asking a number of questions that have left my constituents somewhat confused.
“At a time when food production is critical, I am troubled that the farm tenancy should be offered to an events company – albeit a world class one. I am not clear that the tenancy was offered up for open competition. There are a number of young farmers in the local area who would jump at the chance to farm that land and build themselves a future. I am surprised the Welsh Government appears not to have offered any of them that opportunity.
“I have no doubt that Green Man will make a success of this venture – it has operated a best-in-class festival in Crickhowell for almost twenty years. But it appears that the Welsh Government has chosen to take a productive farm out of operation and hand it to the events sector without much transparency or competition. I think this says everything about the Welsh Government’s view of farming.
“I will be following this issue project and together with my colleague James Evans MS, scrutinising the Welsh Government’s use of taxpayer funds in this way.”
When approached, the Green Man Festival declined to comment on the news for now - an update is expected further down the line from the organisers.
The festival, owned and run by Fiona Stewart, confirmed that it will not be leaving its current site of nearly 20 years in Crickhowell.
Based at the Glanusk Estate - where it will be staying - it employs 200 people on a full-time basis, with another 5,000 casual workers or volunteers at the festival.
Despite the MP’s reservations, the Powys County Councillor for Talgarth William Powell - a former Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd spokesperson on sustainability - welcomed the news that Green Man was to take over the tenancy and on the basis of commercial rent.
When asked by the BBC, the Welsh Liberal Democrat said: "I know that Fiona Stewart has been keen to extend the ethos and values of Green Man in terms of sustainability, climate change and promoting local food and drink."
"Fiona has a strong track record for working with the grain of local communities, for collaboration and for taking advice.
"If the initiative can help give young, innovative farmers access to the land, as well as supporting sustainable regeneration of local communities, then the track record of the Green Man Festival over more than two decades gives cause for optimism."
Every year, the festival showcases a wide range of performers, bands and artists as well as focussing on science and sustainability in collaboration with Cardiff University.
It is understood that the business is expected to pay a commercial rent, and that its work at the festival will be expanded into the farm.
The farm includes 240 acres of land along the river Usk, a Georgian farmhouse and a small glamping site.
It is understood that Gilestone farm, which is currently being leased back to its original owners as they finish harvesting crops and honour bookings, will continue to operate as a working farm.
Newly elected Powys councillor for Talybont-on-Usk Anita Cartwright, also of the Lib Dems, said while it could be good for the area she wants to make sure that residents’ concerns are addressed.
Cllr Cartwright said: “While it is early days, this development has the potential to be a major source of new jobs for the area.
“However, it is clear that local residents have genuine concerns that need to be addressed. The Welsh Government needs to provide clarity on the deal and whether the tenancy was offered up for open competition.
“Going forward I will be looking to use my role as councillor to work with all parties and local residents to address concerns in the community and ensure they are engaged with throughout the process.”
James Evans, much like MP Fay Jones, said he wants answers regarding the purchase.
Mr Evans said: “I’m shocked by the news that the Welsh Government has spent £4.25million on the purchase of a farm in the Brecon Beacons, to be used by the Green Man Festival.
“I questioned the Minister regarding the purchase and asked him 5 key questions, most of which he did not even attempt to answer.
“I am extremely concerned about this purchase, at a time when the Bank of England is warning of ‘apocalyptic food shortages’ due to global supply chain issues, we see good farmland that many local aspiring farmers would jump at the chance to farm, being handed to privately owned music festivals.
“The Welsh Government Minister refused to deny that it is now Welsh Government policy to buy good quality farmland to turn into alternative use for their economic and climate change agenda.
“I will continue to seek the truth behind this Welsh Government purchase, as I believe it is a poor use of taxpayer’s money, and I would much rather see it fund frontline nurses and police officers.”