Contact/Cyswllt: Sian Cliff
02920 898342 / sian.cliff@wales.gov.uk

Mick Bates, Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Farming, welcomes the announcement today by the Minister for Rural Affairs but urges further support is still needed for farmers facing financial ruin:

“I am relieved to hear the statement by Elin Jones in plenary today that isolation units will be allowed as of today and that export markets will resume from October 12th.

“The EU has agreed to ease restrictions providing there is no new outbreak of foot and mouth outside the protective zone in Surrey. This is good news for the farming industry and a much welcomed decision.

“Welsh farmers rely heavily on the export market and this move will alleviate some of the pressures on farmers with the huge backlog of lambs that has resulted from this outbreak.

“I also welcome the announcement that isolation units are allowed as of today. This will help farmers at this important time of year for buying rams.

“However the need to introduce a welfare scheme for small lambs is still vital. I urge the Assembly Government to recognise the need for such a scheme and take action now to help farmers at this crucial time.”


End / Diwedd