Welsh trade body the National Sheep Association (NSA) has called on the incoming Senedd and Welsh Government to provide Welsh sheep farmers with practical support and policy clarity.
NSA stated that the next term of Government would be “critical” for the Welsh sheep sector as producers respond to market pressure, animal health challenges and changing support arrangements while continuing to balance food production, environmental delivery and rural resilience.
The Welsh trade body said that it had called on Government to provide sheep farmers with the confidence, policy clarity and practical support needed to plan ahead, invest and continue delivering for rural Wales.
NSA Cymru/Wales region development officer Helen Roberts stated: “This is a critical period for Welsh sheep farming. Producers need a realistic and consistent policy framework that recognises the sector’s importance to food production, landscape management and the rural economy.”
“NSA would like to see the new Government… consider future amendments that take account of the importance of food security and self-sufficiency alongside animal health and welfare.”
Phil Stocker, NSA
NSA chief executive Phil Stocker added: “NSA does not expect, or want, any sudden knee-jerk reactions from the incoming Government in Wales with regard to the new Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) at such an important time, with the first application window about to close.
“NSA would like to see the new Government find its feet, study the responses to the opening of the SFS, and consider future amendments that take account of the importance of food security and self-sufficiency alongside animal health and welfare, environmental and social obligations, while keeping a close eye on reducing complexity and bureaucracy.”
As part of the new Senedd term, NSA said it will prioritise support for flock health, proportionate regulation and future policy arrangements that are workable for upland, lowland and family-run sheep enterprises across Wales.
The Association said it welcomed the opportunity to meet and work with the new Welsh Government to help achieve these priorities.
