Clwyd West MS and Shadow Minister for North Wales, Darren Millar, has called on the Welsh Government to keep North Wales farmers in the loop over Sustainable Farming Scheme discussions. 

In this week’s meeting of the Welsh Parliament, Darren called for a Welsh Government Statement on the Sustainable Farming Scheme discussions after being contacted by farmers in North Wales who say they are in the dark as to the progress that’s being made. 

Speaking in the Business Statement, Darren said: 

“I call for a Statement from the Cabinet Secretary with responsibility for rural affairs to provide a written update on the Sustainable Farming Scheme discussions, which have been ongoing for some time now. 

“One of the concerns that has been raised with me by farmers in my own constituency is that they're in the dark as to the progress that's being made in those discussions. 

“I appreciate that the discussions are being held in a closed environment in order that people can be candid with one another about their aims, but I do think that the farming community deserve to know where things are up to, and I think it is an opportune time to do so now in advance of when those discussions conclude towards the end of the year.” 

In her response, the Trefnydd (Business Manager) Jane Hutt MS referred to the “major debate” which will be taking place on the Sustainable Farming Scheme next week, and insisted that the Welsh Government’s “listening to farmers and working with them to introduce the new Sustainable Farming Scheme in 2026”.

Speaking afterwards, Darren said: 

“If the Welsh Government is listening to farmers and working with them, then why am I being contacted by farmers in North Wales who have no clue as to where things are at. Their livelihoods are at stake and at the very least they should be kept in the loop.”

Watch Darren’s contribution in the Welsh Parliament below: