AN MS has said that the latest protest carried out by Welsh farmers is a 'poignant reminder' of what is at stake for them should a government plan come to fruition.

Farmers have been protesting in various ways against the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) and the management of bovine TB.

Last month, around 20 tractors and 15 pick-up trucks parked up outside Rural Affairs minister Lesley Griffiths' office in Wrexham.

And, just this week, 'go-slow' demonstrations have been held on the A494 and the A55 as farmers continue to send their message to the government.

A consultation on the Welsh Government scheme farmers are protesting against is currently taking place. If it's given the go-ahead it will come into effect next year.

It aims to reward farmers for sustainable food production and climate-friendly practices, with farmers set to be eligible for the new payments only if 10 per cent of their land is planted with trees and 10 per cent is managed as wildlife habitat.

But farmers worry that the scheme is unworkable, and that food production in Wales will be greatly reduced.

Earlier today (March 6), farmers gathered at the Senedd in Cardiff to places wellies on the steps of the building in their latest message of protest. 

Around 5,500 empty wellies were placed outside the Senedd building.

North Wales MS Sam Rowlands has hailed the move as a 'poignant reminder' of what is at stake for farmers in Wales.

He added: "I don’t think I have ever seen so many protests against a Welsh Labour Government proposal.

“The placing of empty wellies is a poignant reminder that the sustainable farming scheme could lead to 5,500 jobs in rural Wales being lost as a result, a £200 million hit to the economy, and around 11% fewer livestock in Wales for farmers.

“In North Wales, we have seen tractors driving through Wrexham and along the A55 and in Rhyl to try and get the message across. Farmers do not want this new sustainable farming scheme and see the current proposals as an attack on rural Wales and the people who cultivate and nurture our land.

“It was an extremely moving to see the display on the steps today and just shows the great depth of feeling from farming communities against this unacceptable proposed scheme and it needs to be withdrawn.

“The consultation into this controversial scheme finishes tomorrow (Thursday March 7) and I would urge those who have not taken part to make sure they do so.”