LFA board disappointed by proposed budget cuts

NFU Cymru's LFA Board has today described the Welsh Assembly Government's proposals to cut £1.319million from the Tir Cymru budget as a kick in the teeth to farmers and the rural economy of Wales.

The newly re-elected Chairman of NFU Cymru's Less Favoured Area (LFA) Board is John Owen, who farms in partnership with his brother at Llwydfan, Talycafn in the Snowdonia National Park. Speaking after this morning's meeting in Builth Wells he said, "These proposed cuts from the Assembly's budget commitment for 2006-2007 are particularly disappointing when set against the backdrop of the impending review of the Tir Mynydd Scheme scheduled for early next year. Almost 80% of Welsh farmland is designated Less Favoured, any cut in Tir Mynydd payments would have a detrimental knock-on effect to these farmers."

He continued, "Although it is early days, given the Rural Development budget is still to be negotiated at an EU level, these proposals will send a disappointing signal to farmers across Wales."

Professors Peter Midmore and Richard Moore-Colyer, from the University of Wales Aberystwyth were guest speakers at today's LFA Board meeting.

Whilst speaking about a recently published report, 'Cherished Heartland - Future of the Uplands in Wales' Professor Peter Midmore told NFU Cymru members present, "Continual and even expanded support for the upland areas of Wales will be vital in the future. It isn't only necessary for the rural economy but also for rural society. If we don't get support to keep people in the hills and uplands of Wales there will be aesthetic and environmental decline."