A NUMBER of concerns affecting land farmers in Wales were recently brought up on a Welsh Government minister visit to a Towy Valley farm.

Jane Dodds MS, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, visited Blaencennan Farm in Llangadog to find out about and highlight issues affecting common land farmers in Wales.

There were a number of issues raised including concerns around the Habitat Wales Scheme, the importance of Welsh communities and the Welsh language and how the farming industry ties into it and the willingness of farmers to diversify their business.

Also raised were common land farming being included in the Universal payments in the Sustainable Farming Scheme and ensuring that land is being farmed and not just being left, with non-grazed dry land presenting a potential fire risk.

Ms Dodds said: “It was a pleasure to visit Blaencennan Farm today alongside the minister Lesley Griffiths MS and representatives from the National Farmers Union.

“Many farmers across Wales are being faced with an uncertain future and they desperately need our support.

“My hope from this visit is that the concerns of the farming community are listened to and acted upon.

“The Habitat Wales scheme is laden with pitfalls caused by incorrect mapping of farmland areas and a considerable low compensation offer to farmers that will leave them worse off.

“If we are going to be serious about the creation of a sustainable farming model, then it is vital that we fix these errors before the scheme is launched.

“It is clear to see that farmers want to do the right thing by helping the environment and by working together we can bring a brighter and greener future for Wales.”

Mrs Dodds was joined on the visit by Welsh Government rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths MS and representatives from the National Farmers Union.