PLAID CYMRU MP Jonathan Edwards has championed NFU Cymru’s Back Welsh Farming campaign during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons.
The Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP used economic data highlighting the financial contribution of farming to Wales, provided by NFU Cymru, to challenge Prime Minister Theresa May on the future trade prospects for Welsh farmers once the UK leaves the European Union.
Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions on September 13 – Back British Farming Day – Plaid Cymru’s Jonathan Edwards MP said: “Today is also Back Welsh Farming Day and NFU Cymru estimates that agriculture contributes 60,000 jobs in Wales, as well as half a billion pounds. How will farming be able to continue that contribution once the International Trade Secretary opens up domestic markets to lower food standards whilst simultaneously losing access to our main export market?”
In response, Prime Minister Theresa May stated she was pleased to support farmers in Wales. The Prime Minster said that the Government was looking to leave the European Union with ‘a good trade deal that will continue to enhance trade to take place on a basis that is as friction-free and tariff-free as possible’. She also expressed her belief that exiting the European Union will present Welsh farmers with opportunities to export their produce across the rest of the world.
Jonathan Edwards MP was one of a number of Welsh MPs wearing specially-designed wheat and wool pin badges to show support for the NFU’s Back British Farming Day.
The campaign saw farmers from across Wales write to their MP to highlight why farming is so important to their constituency and Wales as a whole.
NFU Cymru President Stephen James said: “The contribution of food and farming to Wales is extremely important. It is critical to have the support of MPs recognising the value of the sector. Across Wales, farming underpins food production, the countryside and the rural economy. For the future of the nation’s farming sector, the support of politicians is crucial to ensure that our industry receives the best deal possible after Brexit.
“We are grateful to all the Welsh MPs who wore their wheat and wool pin badges to champion the cause of farmers back home in Wales. It was fantastic to see so many MPs showing their support for the industry. We are particularly grateful to Jonathan Edwards for raising his question to the Prime Minister today – it is important that we have voices in the House of Commons who are willing to raise the profile of Welsh farming and champion our cause.”
Speaking after Prime Minister’s Questions, Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP Jonathan Edwards, said: “Sadly in her answer to me the Prime Minister talks of fantasy trade deals around the world, forgetting that a staggering 90% of Welsh food and drink export produce goes to EU countries. This isn’t going to be replaced overnight.”
