Farmers set to take SFS protest to Senedd today

Thousands of Farmers and Supporters from across Wales are expected to descend upon the Senedd today in the latest mass protest against the new Sustainable Farming Scheme and other issues which they say will cost Wales over 5000 farming jobs and make the sector unworkable.

It is likely to be the largest protest so far and follows other significant peaceful protests across Wales, including protests during the First Minister’s visit to Rhyl which saw him greeted by a Tractor Convoy and large numbers of protestors who booed and jeered as he arrived.

In a rousing speech on social media last night, prominent farmer Gareth Wyn Jones called on the steps of Cardiff Bay for today’s protestors to be lawful, peaceful and respectful.

He said:

“We are fighting for our livelihoods and the future of our families on the land.  I love Wales and we need to make a change and we need to make sure that everybody understands that farmers are there to produce food affordably, sustainably and in a very very environmentally friendly way.  And we are doing it already in Wales.”

The Protest starts at 12.30 today at the Senedd – if you are heading into Cardiff today, please be aware that transport is likely to be busier than normal.