Bluetongue rules 'risk devastating farmers' along the border
The Welsh Government have been warned that Bluetongue rules 'risk devastating farmers and livestock markets right the way along the border.
MP for Brecon, Radnorshire and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick and Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds have demanded urgent action to support farmers in Powys and across the Welsh marches.
New rules set to come into force on July 1 will see sheep unable to cross the Welsh border unless it has had a bluetongue test, even if it has been vaccinated, which can cost as much as £70 per animal.
The Welsh Government has relaxed rules on cattle to allow vaccinated animals to enter, however sheep will not be subject to the change despite there being over 8 million sheep being farmed in Wales in 2024.
Much of the trade taking place across the England-Wales border and local farmer James Gittins warned that "in the worst-case scenario, we are going to see the numbers of lambs produced in Wales drop by 10 to 20 per cent, from which it may never recover."
Livestock markets such as Builth, Prestige and Welshpool are also set to be massively hit by the rules.
In Westminster on Thursday, Mr Chadwick questioned the UK Government EFRA Minister about how it plans to prevent a de facto veterinary hard border between England and Wales and protect cross-border farms from economic harm.
Chadwick warned that the cost of testing 'is a devastating burden our local farmers cannot afford to take on at a time they are already under such significant financial pressure'.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the issue, the Minister declined to commit to additional support, citing devolved powers.
'These sudden and costly changes risk devastating farmers and livestock markets right the way along the border,' said Mr Chadwick.
'Cross-border movement is essential to how agriculture works in this region, it's not optional. If nothing changes, this will do serious damage to rural livelihoods and the local economy.
'We need urgent coordination between the Welsh and UK Governments to ease the burden and protect our farms.'
In the Senedd, Jane Dodds raised the impact the policy is having on farmers' mental health, and urged the Welsh Government to work more closely together with a focus on vaccination over an unworkable testing and licensing scheme.
Both representatives are calling for a joined-up, four-nation response to bluetongue, including surge funding for testing and vaccination.
'I've spoken with farmers, vets, and local markets and the message is clear, the current plan is unworkable,' said Ms Dodds.
'Testing is costly, slow, and does nothing to support already stressed farm communities.
'Vaccination must be at the heart of our response. We need a united approach between both Cardiff and London that puts farmers' wellbeing and practical realities first.'
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