'Farmers need reassurance over Tir Myndd' - Bates

Release/Rhyddhau: 08/03/06

Contact/Cyswllt: Ceirion Rees:
029 2089 8342/ 07733280105/ ceirion.rees@wales.gov.uk 

Montgomeryshire farmer and AM Mick Bates has given his support to Welsh farmers campaigning to save the future of the Tir Mynydd agri-environmental scheme.

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Countryside spokesperson met with protesters outside the new Assembly Senedd building earlier today.

Following the discussions Mick said:

"There is a real fear among farmers that the Labour Assembly Government intends to make substantial cuts to the Tir Mynydd budget.  This is leading to much confusion among farmers over future payments.

"Many of these farmers rely on Tir Mynydd payments to stay in business.  It is simply unacceptable that there is this uncertainty over their future.

"I hope that the Countryside Minister will fight hard on their behalf of the farmers to ensure schemes such as Tir Mynydd, which play such a vital role in preserving the identity and culture of rural Wales, has adequate and long term funding."

Notes:

• Tir Mynydd is an area based payment for sheep and/or suckler cow producers who farm at least six hectares of Less Favoured Area land.

• The Welsh Assembly Government is currently consulting on the future arrangements for the scheme, the current round of which ends at the end of this year.

• Many farmers received a letter this week, informing them that their SFP had been overpaid, and that they would now have to pay back considerable sums of money.

• Please find attached a photo of Kirsty with local NFU members, who she met with recently to discuss Tir Mynydd.