Tories promise to protect £3bn ag budget in next Parliament

The move was welcomed by Welsh Conservative spokesman for rural affairs and Farmers Guardian Brexit hub columnist Andrew RT Davies.

He said: “This funding commitment will provide the agricultural industry in Wales with confidence and stability, while also demonstrating how important farming is in the Conservative vision for our country moving forward post-Brexit.”

Labour has already committed to maintaining the £3bn annual budget.

Certainty

CLA president Mark Bridgeman also gave a warm reception to the Conservative announcement.

He said: “If elected, this pledge would provide much needed certainty to farmers across the country, and should be seen as a first step towards the long-term security we have been calling for since the EU referendum.

“Farmers work incredibly hard to provide high-quality food for the nation and beyond, as well as leading the fight against climate change and the loss of biodiversity.

“It is now vital that the political parties go a step further, guaranteeing British farmers will be supported during future trade negotiations so that they are not undercut by cheap imports produced to lower standards.”