Industry and key figures to meet in Cardiff to talk about future of Welsh farming

First Minster of Wales Carwyn Jones
First Minster of Wales Carwyn Jones

Leading agricultural figures are to discuss their prorities with the First Minister of Wales following the UK's decision to leave the EU.

Carwyn Jones, the First Minister, as well as Rural Affairs Secretary Lesley Griffiths, will meet in Cardiff Bay to hold talks about the future of Welsh farming.

Rural organisations, agricultural unions and environment businesses will be taking part in the talks.

Rural Affairs Secretary Lesley Griffiths
Rural Affairs Secretary Lesley Griffiths

Securing the future of grant funding for farmers is the 'one of the most immediate concerns', according to the First Minister.

Brexit supporters argue the Welsh and UK governments will be able to design a new payments system better suited for British farmers.

The future of trade with the EU, rules and regulations and environmental protections, will also be up for discussion at Monday's meeting.

Carwyn Jones will discuss the future of Wales' farming and agriculture sectors in the wake of the Leave vote.

In 2014, £240m was given to Welsh farmers in direct payments alone. Half made a loss, or would have done so that year, without them.

Between 2014 and 2020, £957m is meant to be made available via the Rural Development Programme - a system of grants and loans to support rural communities.

'Uncertainty' for the farming sector

The First Minister said: "There is no doubt Britain’s decision to leave the EU has caused uncertainty for the environment and agriculture sectors considering the substantial levels of funding and support the EU provides.

"Indeed, out of all areas of Welsh Government business, environment and rural affairs are those most closely linked to the EU.

"That is why, since the referendum result, meeting key figures within these sectors has been one of my top priorities.

"Today is the start of a long, uncertain journey and I will not make any promises that I will have all the answers.

"What assurance I can give however is that I will work tirelessly to seek guarantees from the UK Government that Wales will not be financially worse off as a result of the UK leaving the EU.

"We will be in listening mode today. Nothing will be off the table and I will ensure the views raised will be at the very forefront of my mind when I am negotiating with the UK Government over the timing and terms of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU."

CLA Cymru director Rebecca Williams said the first priority should be "to establish a world-leading agricultural policy" and to ensure the sector played the "appropriate leading role in the critical trade negotiations that lie ahead".

She said: "We are looking for reassurances that maintaining and nurturing existing markets and opening new opportunities for agriculture will be government priorities."