Preseli Pembrokeshire Senedd Member Paul Davies has called on the Welsh Government to issue a statement confirming that it won’t adopt a recommendation by the Climate Change Committee to reduce livestock numbers, as a means to reduce methane emissions and free up land for woodland creation and peatland restoration.
The Climate Change Committee provides advice to the Welsh Government on how Wales can reach its net zero ambitions through reports and the publication of a series of carbon budgets. In their latest carbon budget, they discuss the need to reduce livestock numbers.
Mr Davies said, “The Welsh Government must make it clear that it supports Welsh farmers by issuing a public statement confirming that it will not introduce policies to reduce livestock numbers in Wales. The sector needs to know, in no uncertain terms, that the Welsh government supports livestock farming and recognises its importance to our rural communities.
“Welsh farmers have faced hurdle after hurdle from successive Welsh governments, and they deserve better. Farmers have faced government inaction on Bovine TB, increased regulation in recent years and now their livelihoods could be at risk again.”
“I urge politicians across the political spectrum to speak up now in support of our farmers and urge the Welsh Government to reject the Climate Change Committee’s advice.”
