After finding that the recently published forecasts of farm incomes in Wales report that the average business income is expected to decrease by 15%, Janet Finch-Saunders, Assembly Member for Aberconwy, has championed farmers in the Senedd by putting pressure on the Welsh Government to introduce an agricultural volatility grant.
After receiving a commitment from the Lesley Griffiths AM, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, that such a volatility component can be considered as part of the next consultation on the plans for agriculture in Wales post Brexit, Janet said:
“Whilst I welcome the fact that the Minister has acknowledge the calls for farmers to be provided with volatility support, it is frustraiting that she has not given any assurances that the Welsh Government will provide the required help post-Brexit.
“The seriousness of volatility for farmers is apparent when considering that the average business income for a dairy farm is forecasted to have fallen by £20,000 between 2017/18 and 2018/19.
“More so, lowland cattle and sheep farmers are expected to have seen the lowest businesses income since 2015-16.
“Undoubtedly, market levers are out of our hands, but we certainly can and should take action to provide the stability farms need to continue producing food.
“As the President of NFU Cymru explained, Welsh farmers are integral to the success and continued growth of the £6.9 billion Welsh food and drink industry, and that progress can only be delivered through a strong and stable supply base.
“At the end of the day, I will continue to champion farming the Senedd and the provision of financial support because it is actually fiscally responsible to do so. Indeed, for every £1 invested in farms, there is a return of around £7.40 delivered”.
