FUW slams Welsh Gov for ‘unprecedented’ interference in Brexit consultation

They list three reasons why direct payments should not be subjected to radical change.

1. It would add to the uncertainty and disruption caused by Brexit
2. Competitors in Europe and other parts of the UK will continue to receive them, putting Welsh farmers at a disadvantage
3. The plans are too costly and complex at a time of political and financial uncertainty

Ms Griffiths said: “I am open to new ideas and this is a genuine consultation. But I am clear ‘business as usual’ is not an option.

“We need farmers to engage properly with us to help make this work, so the recent misleading FUW campaign is not helpful.”

Alongside her open letter, the Minister published a ‘myth buster’ document which contained ‘facts’ to counter FUW’s concerns set out on the postcard.

These ‘facts’ included claims such as: ‘The Basic Payment Scheme is insufficiently targeted to respond to the challenges of Brexit’ and ‘maintaining the Basic Payment Scheme does not help us compete because it does nothing to improve farm performance’.

FUW president Glyn Roberts said: “I reject the accusation that we have run a misleading campaign rather than one which reiterates genuine concerns, but I have written to the Cabinet Secretary asking for details of any claims she believes are misleading, as opposed to being different opinions.

“In my letter I have made it clear that views which differ from the Welsh Government’s cannot be described as ‘myths’.

“I have also listed a number of concerns and questions in relation to the Welsh Government’s proposals and asked for these to be answered.”