CLA Cymru, representing landowners, farmers and rural businesses, has called upon the South West Wales countryside community to take action and speak with a united voice to MPs, AMs and MEPs.

Chairman of CLA’s Dyfed Branch, David Lewis from the Hean Castle Estate in Saundersfoot, said: “In light of the Brexit vote, there is a massive appetite in the rural community for informed guidance about the way-ahead for agricultural and rural policy in Wales.”

“The UK Government’s announcement that it will guarantee EU funded projects beyond the date the UK leaves the EU, was timely before this Show and very welcome,” Mr Lewis said.

“And we will be looking to work together with the Welsh Government to optimise this for Welsh agriculture and for the Welsh rural economy.

“But, at the same time, it’s vital too that we don’t lose sight of the practical issues affecting the rural community: difficulties with the Basic Payments Scheme, broadband connectivity and wifi, planning issues and matters about housing and tenancy. The needs of this region must be front-of-mind.”

Mr Lewis continued: “Having met key players in the new Westminster administration we’re responding to their call for our views and expertise.”

The CLA is producing a quartet of briefings making the case for a world-leading food, farming and environmental policy in the wake of Brexit. Following its EU Referendum brief ‘Leave or Remain’ new briefs focus on the vital topics of direct support for agriculture, trade, regulation and labour.

The CLA is calling for a new strategy that improves productivity, competitiveness and resilience.

Mr Lewis said: “We must have food-security – but we also have the vital environmental role to consider: improving bio-diversity, securing natural resources and enhancing the physical environment. Here in Wales much in recent legislation such as the Environment Act and The Well-being of Future Generations Act will be delivered by landowners, farmers and the rural community.

“It’s with this message that I call upon the rural community to visit or write to our elected representatives in south west Wales or even invite them to their farms and businesses, to show them just how important these issues are. It’s a once in a generation opportunity.”