A prominent politician will be discussing the future of farming at an event in Abergavenny next week.

Simon Thomas AM, shadow cabinet secretary for rural affairs, will join south Wales east AM Steffan Lewis at the Melville Centre, Abergavenny on Monday 20 November.

Mr Thomas said, “Plaid Cymru has announced a budget deal that will secure benefits for everyone in Wales.

“From the outset of this Assembly Plaid Cymru has shown how an effective opposition can deliver tangible benefits for people.

“Seventeen months after the election, more than 50 per cent of Plaid Cymru’s major spending commitments had now been secured in full or in part, a record for any opposition party.

“The future of farming is dependent on the influx of new, highly-trained individuals into the industry. New blood brings new ideas and innovation into the sector and promotes the foundation of sustainable, profitable and resilient farm businesses in Wales.

“It is young people and new entrants who provide much of this new lifeblood. And if we are to have any chance of adapting and bending to the winds of a post-Brexit future we will need the enthusiasm and commitment of young people in droves.

“Unfortunately, the average age of farmers in Wales is over sixty – just three per cent are under 35.

“I am pleased to say that as part of the Budget Agreement there has been a £6m allocation for a young farmers’ grant scheme over two years to ensure that we have new entrants into the industry to support the long-term future of the sector.

“I’m keen for anybody who has the best interests of Welsh farming at heart to get in touch so we can devise the best scheme for new entrants.

“It is part of my vision for a sustainable, independent Wales that we invest in the next generation now who will build and develop our rich natural resources and do that in a way that will be a template to the world.”