Samuel Kurtz, Conservative candidate for Ceredigion Preseli Pembrokeshire, has criticised Labour's agricultural policies following a farm hustings.

The hustings was jointly hosted by the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW), NFU Cymru and Ceredigion Young Farmers’ Clubs (YFC) in Aberaeron on Tuesday, April 14.

The event brought together farmers from across the region, many of whom voiced serious concerns about rising costs, increasing regulation and the uncertainty created by both Welsh and UK Government policy.

Mr Kurtz said the strength of feeling in the room reflected growing frustration within the farming community.

He said: “The hustings made one thing very clear: farmers feel let down, ignored and under increasing pressure from Labour in Cardiff Bay and in Westminster.

“As the Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, I have been warning for some time that the direction of travel is wrong. Farmers are being asked to do more and more with less and less support.

“Rising costs, burdensome regulation and uncertainty over future funding are placing real strain on farm businesses and family livelihoods.”

He warned that current policies risk undermining food production and damaging rural economies.

Mr Kurtz also highlighted concerns about the long-term impact on food security, with farmers questioning whether Wales is doing enough to support domestic production.

He added: “Our farmers are the backbone of rural Wales. They produce our food, support local jobs and care for our countryside.“But right now, too many feel that decisions by Labour who have been propped up by Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats, are being imposed on them rather than made with them. That has to change.

“We need a government that backs farmers, not one that creates barriers and uncertainty. We will continue to fight for a better deal for rural Wales and ensure that farmers’ voices are heard loud and clear.”