51AVÊÓÆµ

10,000 farmers expected to turn up for protest at Senedd

South Wales Police has asked farmers not to bring tractors to the protest to ensure the movement of the emergency services is not 'restricted' in a busy city centre

clock • 2 min read
Farmers are expected to enter Cardiff in their droves in protest over the Sustainable Farming Scheme
Image:

Farmers are expected to enter Cardiff in their droves in protest over the Sustainable Farming Scheme

Thousands of farmers are set to protest outside the Welsh Government amid unrest at policies including the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).

Farmers Guardian has been told more than 10,000 people are expected to arrive at the Senedd on Wednesday (February 28) to protest against the SFS - which proposes to take agricultural land out of production for tree planting and wildlife habitat creation among its priorities.

Concerned farmers have said the scheme could have an impact on their livelihoods with thousands of jobs lost and the impact it could have on the Welsh economy.

The Welsh Government has said the scheme could affect 5,500 farming jobs.

South Wales Police said they have been made aware of a planned protest being held in Cardiff Bay at around 12.30pm.

Farmers protest outside office of Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths in Wales

Officers said the protest is expected to attract a large number of people, along with some slow-moving traffic on routes to Cardiff Bay and the wider South Wales road network.

A police operation will be in effect for the duration of the protest with controlled access to some roads around the Senedd.

Police officers have asked farmers not to bring tractors to the protest to ensure the movement of the emergency services is not 'restricted' in a busy city centre.

Superintendent Esyr Jones said: "South Wales Police respects the right to peaceful protest and we are in discussions with the organisers to ensure that the protest takes place safely, lawfully with minimum disruption to the wider public.

Farmers asked to donate old wellies for Senedd display to highlight SFS impact 

"While there is an agreement to facilitate protest activity outside the Senedd, I would urge protestors not to bring tractors or other agricultural vehicles to the protest.

"There are concerns that they pose a risk to the safety of other road users and restrict the movement of emergency services in a busy city environment.

"We will monitor the situation across the day and motorists should check for any disruption on the road network and plan their journeys accordingly.

"We will advise the public of any delays or disruption throughout the course of the day."

Welsh farmers protest in Rhyl as First Minister Mark Drakeford visits the town

Pedigree British Blue Bull

£±Ê°¿´¡

DOWNGRADE MILK & CREAM

£±Ê°¿´¡

WANTED REGISTERED SHEEPDOG PUPS

£±Ê°¿´¡

More on Politics

EXCLUSIVE - Aphra Brandreth: "We cannot achieve our shared and ambitious environmental and nature goals without farmers"

EXCLUSIVE - Aphra Brandreth: "We cannot achieve our shared and ambitious environmental and nature goals without farmers"

Chester South and Eddisbury MP Aphra Brandreth said Government needs farmers onboard if the UK is to successful reach its climate and nature goals

clock 03 July 2025 • 3 min read
Letters: "This shows there is now more adaptability from the Government in trying to meet the evolving needs of the farming industry"

Letters: "This shows there is now more adaptability from the Government in trying to meet the evolving needs of the farming industry"

Ian Cure, VetPartners farm director, discusses the recently announced extension to funding which offers farmers a free, Government funded vet visit for each herd or flock

clock 01 July 2025 • 2 min read
'Missed opportunity' to embed core standards on food entering the UK

'Missed opportunity' to embed core standards on food entering the UK

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said detail is still 'lacking' on how Government will tackle the problem of lower welfare farming imports from entering the UK's food supply chain system

clock 01 July 2025 • 3 min read