NICK Ramsay AM met National Farmers’ Union county adviser Stella Owen and local farming representatives last week to hear their views on the Brexit and Our Land consultation which closed on October 30.

After listening to the concerns of those present, Mr Ramsay submitted his formal response to the Welsh government consultation.

Speaking after the meeting, the AM said: “Despite significant financial challenges, the Welsh agricultural industry has continued to deliver, but the Welsh government now has a responsibility to support the farming sector and ensure it remains sustainable and resilient.

“All farmers in Wales should be fairly rewarded for the public goods they are already delivering and payments must go beyond income forgone calculations.

“The Welsh government should ensure that future policy properly recognises the role of farmers in maintaining 80 per cent of the land of Wales including protecting habitats, preserving our countryside as well as producing quality Welsh food.

“Future policy should ensure that the Welsh farming industry remains competitive and that farmers in Wales have a level playing field with those in other parts of the UK.

“Welsh government needs to recognise the valuable contribution farmers make to food production in Wales and financial support should allow farmers to properly invest in their business, making it fit for the future.”