NFU Cymru speaks out against groups attempting to 'damage' farming consultation

NFU Cymru said the picture painted by green groups of a Welsh environment in decline is an "insult" to farmers
NFU Cymru said the picture painted by green groups of a Welsh environment in decline is an "insult" to farmers

NFU Cymru has spoken out against environmental groups who are urging their supporters to respond to a consultation on the future direction of Welsh farming with "damaging" claims.

With the deadline now just under a month away, the Welsh Government’s ‘Brexit and Our Land’ consultation - described as the biggest consultation on Welsh farming in a generation - seeks to shape thoughts on the industry post-Brexit.

Earlier this week, NFU Cymru said it is "vital" that the industry gets the message across that food production is at the heart of everything farmers do.

But the union has now spoken out against environmental and green bodies who are putting forward "damaging" claims about the industry.

In particular, the union has criticised the WWF, the RSPB and Wildlife Trusts Wales for claims made on their websites and social media channels that infer that farming practices are harming the environment.

NFU Cymru President, John Davies said a number of organisations are "encouraging" their supporters to respond to the consultation using statements that the union fears does not accurately reflect Welsh farming’s contribution to the environment.

He said such claims made by environmentalists and green advocates are an "insult" to the farming industry.

“These organisations are pedalling comments that show a complete disregard and ignorance for the work of Welsh farmers and the multiple benefits they carry out in maintaining and improving habitats, biodiversity and striving to meet our climate change obligations as part of Welsh agri-environment schemes for over a quarter of a century,” Mr Davies said.

“Welsh farmers take their environmental responsibilities extremely seriously and hold great pride in being the custodians of Wales’ cherished landscapes and habitats, alongside their key role as food producers.

He added: “The picture being painted of the Welsh countryside, of a ‘devastating decline in wildlife’ and nature ‘crashing’, is not one that Welsh farmers will recognise. Frankly it is an insult.”

Mr Davies said environmental bodies are creating a "fake dystopia" about the environment.

“I am deeply dismayed that these environmental groups are employing such tactics at the same time as they seek to have a leading role in working with Welsh farmers to deliver positive outcomes for our environment in the future,” he added.

The union has reiterated their call for farmers to respond to the consultation, ensuring that there is a "true depiction" of Welsh farming.