James Evans MS has once again highlighted the importance of the Royal Welsh Winter Fair after spending two days meeting farmers, rural businesses, families and volunteers from across Powys and beyond. James says the Winter Fair once again demonstrated the strength, resilience and community spirit of rural Wales.
James said it was positive how many people were choosing to shop locally at this year’s show, supporting Welsh makers, producers and family-run businesses. From handmade gifts to high-quality food and drink, James says the Winter Fair “shows rural Wales at its very best” and highlighted how important the agricultural sector is to the local economy.
The event also came as the Welsh Conservatives set out a series of proposals to support Welsh farming if they form the next Welsh Gov through a £100m boost to the agricultural budget, scrapping the so-called Family Farm Tax, replacing the Sustainable Farming Scheme with the Welsh Farming and Countryside Scheme, and introducing a science-led programme to tackle bovine TB. James said these plans would give farmers hope and a clear alternative to the damaging policies pursued by the Welsh Labour Government.
James Evans MS, Member of the Senedd for Brecon & Radnorshire, said:
“The Royal Welsh Winter Fair is always one of the highlights of the year. What really stood out this year was how many visitors were choosing to shop locally. Stalls selling handmade gifts, Welsh crafts and brilliant local food and drink were packed. Events like this show the pride we have in what we produce here in Wales, and how important our rural economy is to local jobs and communities.
“At the same time, it’s clear many in the agricultural sector feel under pressure from Welsh Labour’s policies. Our farmers deserve better than uncertainty and endless regulation. That’s why the Welsh Conservatives have set out bold and positive plans to back Welsh farming with real investment, fairer rules and the Welsh Farming and Countryside Scheme which genuinely values the role our farmers play.
“Our rural communities thrive when government supports, not hinders, those who keep Wales fed. I will continue standing up for farmers in Brecon & Radnorshire and making sure their voices are heard loud and clear in Cardiff Bay.”
