The Minister met Richard and Lyn Anthony at Sealands Farm in St
Brides Major to hear about the work they’re doing which aligns
with the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Land Management
objectives.
Sustainable Land Management establishes a policy and legislative
framework which is designed to be beneficial for farmers and the
environment for generations to come.
Richard and Lyn Anthony are doing this at Sealands Farm in many
ways, including increasing the organic matter in their arable
soils. This draws down carbon from the atmosphere, and it
also means the soil is better able to hold on to moisture in dry
weather.
They have also established companion cropping with their arable
crops which reduces risks from pests, benefits pollinating
insects, and lowers chemical usage.
Extensive crop trials are taking place at the farm to test new
crop varieties suitable to grow in the Welsh climate, and
renewable energy sources have been installed.
These actions embody the Sustainable Land Management objectives
in the first ever made-in-Wales Agriculture Bill as they are a
clear demonstration of adapting to climate change and maintaining
and enhancing ecosystems while producing food in a sustainable
manner.
The visit comes after the Agriculture Bill was passed by Senedd
Members last week. At the heart of the Bill lie objectives to
support the economic, environmental, and social sustainability of
the Welsh agricultural sector. Sustainable Land Management is key
to this.
Rural Affairs Minister, said: “It has been great
to meet Richard and Lyn and learn more about the impressive work
they’re doing at Sealands which align with our aims to tackle the
climate and nature emergencies and support the sustainability of
the farm business.
“They have implemented a number of measures and I have been
pleased to hear about how these are having a positive impact on
their business and their land.
“Sustainable Land Management is the bedrock of future agriculture
policy in Wales and will help ensure our farmers can continue to
produce high quality produce and agricultural goods for years to
come alongside taking action to protect the environment.”
Richard Anthony said: “I believe modern productive agriculture is
a big part of the solution to climate change, and we are still
learning how to build resilience on our farm which is even more
important in dry seasons like we’re experiencing
currently.
“We like to demonstrate what is practical on the ground, and I
think it’s valuable for farmers to learn from each other and see
what ideas might work at their own farm.”
