Opposition calls for final say on farming support

OPPOSITION politicians called on the Welsh Government to bring forward a final binding vote before introducing revised plans for financial support for farmers.

- CHRIS HAINES ICNN Senedd reporter

Samuel Kurtz, the Conservatives’ shadow rural affairs secretary, led a debate on the protest-plagued proposals for the sustainable farming scheme (SFS).

He said: "Today, we're simply asking that this Senedd be given the opportunity to vote, a final, binding vote on the sustainable farming scheme before it is implemented. We all remember last year's protests. We know the strength of feeling across the country.

"A scheme of this scale, affecting over 80% of Wales’ land, must carry democratic legitimacy. Let us vote. Let the elected members of this chamber, from every corner of Wales and from every party, have their say."

Mr Kurtz told the Senedd: "If ministers want farmers to sign up, they need to rebuild trust. That starts with transparency. And the way you secure consent is by putting this scheme to a full, binding vote in this chamber."

The former journalist, who is from a farming family, warned of a “cliff-edge” in the transition from the basic payment scheme (BPS), which is set to fall by 40%, to the SFS.