The findings of a survey commissioned by the Welsh branch of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU Cymru) have revealed that 82% of people support the Welsh government providing financial support to farmers to produce food.
The survey of over 1,000 people also revealed that, when taking into account Welsh government’s priorities, 72% said that supporting Welsh farmers was a good use of public spending.
In the Cardiff and South Central region, support for food production (86%) and funding for farming were seen as a good use of public spending (76%). These figures were higher than the all-Wales figures.
Elsewhere, almost three quarters of Welsh adults (74%) view food produced in Wales as high quality, while two thirds of Welsh adults (66%) think the amount of locally produced food in the public sector should be increased.
The data also showed that 67% of people want UK food production to be as self-sufficient as possible and, of those who do, 70% think Wales can play a leading role (20%) or have a major role (50%) to play in self-sufficiency.
NFU Cymru president Aled Jones said:
“Welsh government’s budget reprioritisation statement last month was a stark warning as to the deficit the government is facing in this financial year, as well as the ongoing challenge that Welsh government will face in setting its future budgets across its portfolios in the coming years.
“In its frequent engagement with Welsh government cabinet ministers and MSs, NFU Cymru is told that the union must demonstrate the value of farming not only to government, but also to the taxpayer.
“I am, therefore, delighted that our recently-commissioned survey has showed the high levels of backing amongst the public for support for Welsh agriculture and, in particular, financially supporting farmers to produce food.”
Welsh farming
Jones said the findings of the survey show that the “benefits of Welsh farming” are recognised by a large proportion of the population, whether they’re living in urban areas or in the Welsh countryside.
“Ahead of Welsh government announcing its draft budget statement next month, it is crucial that Welsh government cabinet members and other MSs, whichever region or constituency they serve, listen to the resounding voice of the Welsh public in this survey,” he said.
“People across Wales want to see our farming sector supported to produce food alongside the other benefits they already deliver.”
Jones said, although the findings of the public poll will no doubt be “welcome news” for farmers throughout the country, that the union does not take this “public commendation of public spend on agriculture” for granted.
“NFU Cymru recognises the significant financial pressures Welsh government is facing.
“It is our firm belief, however, that a sector that continues to feed the nation, manages 80% of the land area in Wales, underpins an £8 billion food and farming sector and makes unparalleled contribution to the economic, environmental, social and cultural wellbeing of rural Wales – all for just 2% of the current overall Welsh government spend – is a sector that represents an exceptional return for public funding and is seen as a good use of public funds by the people of Wales.”
