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The Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Rural Affairs – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has today (08 December) commented on the findings of a new report by Meat Promotion Wales, alongside researchers from Bangor University and the University of Limerick.
The research carried out detailed analysis of 20 sheep and beef farms, including researching how much carbon they stored through grassland and trees. Its release comes ahead of a first draft of a proposed new Welsh Agriculture Bill.
Commenting on the findings of the report, Janet said:
“It will come as no surprise that Welsh farmers are among the world's most sustainable, with research in this new report rightly emphasising that Welsh agriculture has among the lowest greenhouse gas emissions of comparable systems worldwide.
“Welsh farmers have repeatedly shown that they are keen to build on this history of sustainability, steadily working towards a proudly ambitious target of net zero agriculture by 2040. The sector has set out sensible means of achieving this target, by improving farming’s productive efficiency, improving land management and enhancing land use to capture more carbon.
“I am most pleased to find that this report encourages the crucial maintenance of productivity, to ensure the long-term economic sustainability of our nation’s rural regions and communities. After all, Wales' farms are essential job creators, helping to safeguard historic and sustainable land management skills.
“Whilst the sector will certainly take note of the conclusions of this report, it is vital that pressure is maintained on the Welsh Government, which has stalled in its response to Climate Change. This administration needs to urgently look at boosting the production of renewable energy, supporting small-scale and private owners, rather than removing funding support.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- To read more about the sector’s plan for net zero agriculture by 2040, please click here.
Photo: Nick Cozier on Unsplash
