FARMERS in Wales will need support and reassurance as the UK prepares to leave the European Union, a Gwent AM has said.

Speaking in the Senedd yesterday, Monmouth’s Nick Ramsay said farmers across the country were concerned about the impact of Brexit, particularly in relation to the potential loss of support payments.

More than 80 per cent of farmers’ incomes in Wales comes from Europe, worth more than £1 billion every year, but the future of these payments is is uncertain once the UK leaves the EU.

Addressing leader of the house Jane Hutt, Conservative AM Mr Ramsay, whose constituency is largely rural, said: “These are, clearly, uncertain times for our farming community, with the Brexit process underway, the loss of young people from the industry, and, of course, the ongoing issue of bovine tuberculosis.

“Will the Welsh Government undertake to work closely with the Agricultural Law Association and, indeed, the farming unions, to reassure our farmers in Wales?

“Perhaps we could have a statement at an appropriate point in this chamber, or maybe a debate, on ways that we can support our farming industry, both traditionally, and perhaps look at more innovative ways.

“Because I think this is a vital aspect of the Welsh economy that does need to be supported and nourished over the years to come.”

The Agricultural Law Association, or ALA, works to promote knowledge, understanding and development among those who advise rural businesses.

Ms Hutt replied: “I think it’s very important that we also take the opportunity to reflect on your point that it (Brexit) is going to be very difficult, it is currently very difficult for the farming community.”

She added the Welsh Government environment and rural affairs secretary Lesley Griffiths are “working very closely” with farming unions and other related organisations.

She added: “I hope that you will join us, as a Welsh Labour Government, in calling for a longer-term commitment from the UK Government, to make good on promises made during the referendum campaign, that Wales would not lose a single penny as a result of the UK leaving the EU.”

Negotiations on the terms of the UK’s exit from the EU are due to begin next Monday, June 19.