More robust approach to badgers needed to tackle disease, Welsh farmers say

Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies (event sponsor), Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths, FUW President Glyn Roberts
Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies (event sponsor), Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths, FUW President Glyn Roberts

Welsh farmers have renewed calls to tackle bovine TB in badger populations, calling for a more 'robust' approach.

Speaking at the 17th Farmhouse breakfast, Farmers' Union of Wales president Glyn Roberts told Welsh assembly members that farmers should not expected to shoulder the burden of ineffective bovine TB control measures.

Mr Roberts acknowledged that whilst farmers see some progress in terms of dealing with diseased badgers, the group said it strongly urges the Welsh government to address the issue more robustly.

He said: "Nearly 10,000 cattle were slaughtered last year, in a one-sided approach to dealing with the problem.

"The results of the recent consultation show that the farmers of Wales are expecting a more robust solution that also deals with wildlife," he told Assembly Members and breakfast guests.

Facts not emotions

The group stressed that Britain was in danger of falling into the trap of forming strategy based on emotions rather than facts in political and public life.

Appreciating that we are living in different times, challenging times, and perhaps the most uncertain times that many of us will have experienced in decades, Mr Roberts further said that the decision to leave the European Union will have a profound effect on the Welsh economy, none more so than the agricultural sector.

"Although we must be optimistic and hope for the best possible outcome following the referendum result and the plans laid out by Prime Minister Theresa May, we cannot hide from reality: 90% of Welsh agricultural exports go to the EU, and 80% of farmers income is derived from the Common Agricultural Policy," added Mr Roberts.