Is it time farmers in Wales went on strike?
As a farmer in Wales, I’ve been wrestling with a difficult question - is it time for us to go on strike? It’s not a decision to be taken lightly, but our challenges are becoming increasingly daunting.
The Welsh government seems to have a clear anti-agriculture agenda. They want to cut subsidies, making it harder for us to make a living. They have placed strict regulations on our farming practices, which often seem more geared toward environmentalism than practicality.
The problem is many of these regulations don’t consider the realities of farming. For example, strict rules around fertiliser use can limit our crop yields and make it harder to produce enough food to feed our communities. We’re also being asked to reduce our carbon footprint, which is all well and good, but it can be a real challenge for small farmers who don’t have the resources to invest in expensive new technologies.
Meanwhile, environmentalists are putting even more pressure on us. They’re emphasising nature conservation above all else and are often unwilling to acknowledge the role of farming in producing food for a world that is growing ever more hungry. It’s not that we don’t care about the environment – we do – but we must find a way to balance it with the practical realities of food production.
Unfortunately, the politicians, experts and environmentalists who are supposed to be helping us find that balance are often unwilling to work towards a common ground. Instead, they seem to be more interested in pushing their own agendas, regardless of the impact it has on farmers and our communities.
It’s a frustrating situation to be in. We want to produce food for our communities, be good stewards of the land, and make a decent living for ourselves and our families. But it feels like we’re being pulled in all directions, with no one really understanding or appreciating our challenges.
That’s why some farmers are starting to consider going on strike. It’s not something we take lightly, but it’s a way to make our voices heard and demand fair treatment. We want the Welsh government to acknowledge the vital role that farming plays in our economy and communities and work with us to find practical solutions that balance the needs of both farmers and the environment.
The challenges facing farmers in Wales are very real. We’re dealing with an unsympathetic government, environmentalists who don’t always understand the practical realities of farming, and a lack of cooperation and understanding from the people who are supposed to be helping us find a way forward. Going on strike might seem like a drastic step, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that something needs to change.