Around 100 tractors took part in a protest during Vaughan Gething and Jeremy Miles’ Welsh Labour leadership hustings, in Newtown.
The protest in Newtown took place on Sunday (18th February) and comes after more than 100 tractors and 4x4 vehicles came out to show support on the A48 near Carmarthen on Friday.
The two leadership candidates were in Newtown to attend an event organised by the Welsh Labour to allow members of the party to question the two leadership candidates.
Many farmers are unhappy with a proposed scheme that the Welsh Government is consulting on, which include recruitments to commit to planting 10% of their land with trees and earmark another 10% as wildlife habitat
Farmers and other in rural communities are demonstrating because the scheme is considered not practical, could be costly to their business and the administration is unworkable due to the current requirements.
There are also other concerns, such as the lack of support to the farming sector to eradicate TB, and additional requirements placed on farming businesses which will lead to farmers in Wales being less competitive.
Montgomeryshire Senedd Member, Russell George also attended the event in a show of support to farmers protesting in Newtown.
After attending the demonstration alongside Powys farmers, Mr George said:
“The Welsh Government simply isn’t listening to farmers and rural communities and that is driving the frustration being felt.
“The key concerns that the farming community want the next First Minister to address are; support Farmers to eradicate TB, have a policy that protects food security and scrap the deeply flawed Sustainable Farming Scheme proposals, and bring forward a workable scheme.
“It is only a matter of time before farmers and rural communities are on the steps of the Senedd protesting, and I will stand with them. There is a simple message to the leadership hopefuls and that is, no farmers, no food.
“Those attending were disappointed that the candidates did not come out to speak to the hundreds of farmers waiting.
“It was encouraging that the police praised those that attended for cooperating and making their points peacefully.
“This issue cuts deep across the country and support from those not directly involved in farming was clear to see.”
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