Powys Senedd Member challenges First Minister on livestock numbers, food security and abattoir jobs

Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd Senedd Member James Evans MS has challenged the First Minister to set out how his new Welsh Government will increase livestock numbers in Wales, warning that falling numbers are putting pressure on food security, family farms and abattoir jobs.

Speaking in the Senedd, James highlighted that the Welsh suckler herd has fallen by more than 40% over the past two decades, reducing the critical mass of livestock needed to sustain parts of the agricultural supply chain.

He warned that falling numbers place pressure on abattoirs across Wales, threatening jobs and future security in the sector.

Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, the First Minister, said in response that agriculture is the “backbone” of the rural economy and said his Welsh Government will set out a multi-year funding cycle for the Sustainable Farming Scheme, commission an independent review of the bureaucratic burden on family farms, and begin work on a new national food strategy.

James Evans MS said: “Livestock farming is at the heart of rural Wales, but over the past two decades the Welsh suckler herd has fallen by more than 40 per cent.

“That has real consequences for food production, family farms and the future of our abattoirs.

“If livestock numbers continue to fall, we lose critical mass in the sector. That puts jobs at risk, weakens our food security, and makes it harder for rural communities to sustain the supply chains they rely on.

“The First Minister says his government supports Welsh family farms, but warm words are not enough. We need clear action to increase livestock numbers, safeguard food security and protect abattoir jobs across Wales.”