Thousands of protesting farmers descend on Cardiff

Thousands of farmers descended on Cardiff to protest against the Welsh government's new farm subsidy plans.

They were objecting to a major overhaul of farm subsidies in Wales known as the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), which was branded "unworkable" by unions.

The proposals would require farmers to commit 10% of agricultural land to be used for trees and 10% for wildlife habitat.

The Welsh government said it was listening to the sector's concerns.

South Wales Police said about 3,000 people turned up at the Senedd.

Later on Wednesday, opposition parties in the Senedd voted in favour of scrapping the Welsh government's controversial plan. It was a non-binding vote.

In a joint statement on Tuesday, outgoing First Minister Mark Drakeford and Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths announced a list of actions they would take following talks with farming leaders.

They included considering an "evidence-based review" of the ways farms can help soak in planet-warming carbon emissions, and carrying out updated economic analysis of the new post-Brexit subsidy scheme.

A requirement for all farms to ensure 10% tree coverage in exchange for funding in future has proved hugely controversial.

An economic impact assessment published alongside the latest consultation suggested the government's plans could lead to a 10.8% reduction in livestock numbers and an 11% cut in labour needed on Welsh farms.

Ministers have since said that analysis was outdated and did not take into account all parts of its new funding scheme.

But the figures sparked big protests and go-slow tractor demonstrations across Wales.

Supporters say the scheme's rules are more flexible than they appear - and are vital to help Wales fight climate change and nature loss.

For instance, fields used to graze livestock can count towards the 10% habitat target if they have a diverse range of grasses and wildflowers.

And native trees or woodland on farms can count towards both the 10% trees and habitat targets.

But the feeling from farmers at the Senedd was there was a disconnect between their livelihoods and the decisions being made in Cardiff Bay.

Abi Reader, NFU Cymru deputy president, said people had come from the "hills and mountains, from the valleys and coastal areas".

"We are completely united," she said, as she branded the subsidy plans "crazy".

Tom Huntley, a farmer from Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf, said there was a real strength of feeling in the crowd.

"We've all come down today because the ministers are just not listening. It could be very serious for the future," he said.

Angela Windsor, a farmer from Moylegrove, Pembrokeshire, said: "We're not happy about this sustainable farming scheme proposed by the Welsh government. It doesn't include farming at all.

"For some people who haven't got any trees or habitat - they're going to lose 20% of their land."

Another protester, John, said he was proud of farmers coming together, saying: "All of us will have very different reasons for why we are going to what will be a historical symbol of unity in the name of the Senedd.

"A protest of this magnitude hasn't been seen since 1999. This tells you very clearly of the anxiety and concern that surrounds the industry and the rural way of life."

The discontent among farmers in Wales has its roots in many issues besides the new subsidy regime - from the handling of bovine TB to the imposition of stricter regulations on the spreading of manure.

NFU Cymru President Aled Jones said in his 12 years as a union official he had "never witnessed such anguish in rural communities".

"There's a sense that they've not been listened to, not considered, not valued," he said.

He called on the Welsh government to reset its relationship with the countryside, and suggested the introduction of the new funding scheme may need to be paused.

"Fundamentally we have one opportunity to get this right," he added.

Protesters lined up wellies on the steps of the Senedd - Welsh Parliament as a symbol of future job losses, which they believe could happen as a result of these new subsidy plans.

The government's own assessment of the scheme estimates that, if introduced, it could lead to an 11% reduction in farm labour.

NFU Cymru said this could translate to more than 5,500 jobs being lost.

But the assessment added that workers may still be needed for other non-farm related work, such as management of woodland.

The Welsh government said it wanted "a successful future for Welsh farming."

"We have had a seven-year conversation with farmers to design future farming support and we are committed to continuing to working with farmers to develop the Sustainable Farming Scheme," a spokeswoman said.

"We have been clear we expect changes to be made following the consultation, and we will continue to listen."

The Sustainable Farming Scheme consultation is set to close on 7 March.