Neil Hamilton, MS for Mid & West Wales, and Leader of UKIP Wales is urging people to have their say on plans for a future agricultural support scheme.
Mr Hamilton, a member of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs committee, is calling on all interested parties to take part in the Sustainable Farming and Land Consultation.
He said: “I am pleased to see the Minister is willing to listen to those involved with land management and the agricultural industry.
“Following last year’s ‘Sustainable Farming and our Land’ consultation document NFU Cymru expressed considerable concern about the revised proposals and urged the Welsh Government to make sure any future policy was more carefully considered.
“The Farmers Union of Wales has also called for families, jobs, communities and food production to be at the heart of planning a new policy.
“I share the concern expressed by farming communities and their representatives. As it stands, the current document seems too focused on the sustainable use of resources rather than a broader range of objectives.
“I urge anyone involved in farming or land management who feels strongly about any issues to make sure they respond to this consultation so their voice is heard by Welsh Government.
NFU Cymru has called on Welsh Government to recognise its role in providing stability and certainty to Welsh farmers at a time of profound uncertainty for the industry.
The consultation, seeking views on proposals for agricultural support for Welsh farmers, from 2021 was launched by Lesley Griffiths MS, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs.
The proposals will establish a simpler interim framework, based on retained EU Law, as available under the time-limited powers being taken through the UK Agriculture Bill.
It will also continue to support the competitiveness of farming and food production, while responding to the climate emergency, reversing biodiversity decline, ensuring high standards of animal health and welfare and protecting our natural resources. This will come in advance of the transition to the proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme.
The Minister said leaving the EU presents significant challenges, however, they have a unique opportunity to put in place bespoke Welsh policy which delivers for our economy, society and natural environment.
The consultation will close on October 23 2020.
