NFU Cymru has explained to Defra Secretary Michael Gove that farmers should not be 'pigeon-holed' in one area, but should rather be celebrated for the many areas they contribute in.
The Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns and Defra Secretary Michael Gove have both arrived at the Royal Welsh Show to talk with Welsh farmers.
Last week, Mr Gove unveiled his plan for a 'Green Brexit', one which would reward farmers for the environmental work they do.
This led the Farmers' Union of Wales to label the plans as one that 'neglects' food production.
At the Royal Welsh Show today, NFU Cymru representatives took the chance to stress to Mr Gove Welsh farmers’ overall contribution as producers of Wales’ food, environment and landscapes.
The union said farmers should not be 'pigeon-holed' as providers in one area – as farmers are 'proud to produce on so many levels'.
'Already enhancing'
NFU Cymru President Stephen James said: “Following Mr Gove’s comments last week about farmers ‘earning their subsidies’ through environmental work, we were quick to point out to Mr Gove that a large number of Welsh farmers are already enhancing their environment through agri-environmental schemes and this is a responsibility they take extremely seriously.
“We underlined to Mr Gove that while it is important to look at the environmental perspective, Welsh farmers should not be pigeon-holed as providers in one area – our farmers are proud to produce on so many levels.
“They provide an overall package of food production, environmental enhancement and landscape management that has a resounding impact on Welsh culture and significant benefits for Welsh society.
“We think it is vitally important that the work active family farms across Wales carry out in terms of food production and contributing to the nation’s overall food security should not be undersold or undermined.”
Mr James said he wanted to make it 'crystal clear' to Mr Gove that a 'transnational period' from current arrangements to a new agricultural policy – carried out over a number of years – is a must.
He continued: “We want to lessen the impact on the industry’s productive capacity, continuity of supply to the food chain and ensure the ongoing delivery on environmental management and enhancement.”
