Post-Brexit farming support consultation is launched

EU aid for farmers includes direct subsidies and grants for rural development schemes

People are being asked how Welsh farming should be supported after the UK leaves the European Union.

The assembly's rural affairs committee said Brexit could prompt the biggest shake-up of the sector in 40 years.

Welsh farmers currently share £250m a year in EU subsidies, plus £500m aid over six years for rural development.

Committee chair, UKIP AM Mark Reckless, hailed "an opportunity to restructure agricultural and rural policies ... bespoke to the needs of Wales".

The consultation asks:

• what results people want to see from farming policies

• what lessons can be learned from current and previous policies, here and elsewhere

• whether Wales should go it alone or share a common UK policy

Mr Reckless said that, following the vote for Brexit, the future shape of rural policy "may be decided in Wales".

"This can be seen as an opportunity to restructure agricultural and rural policies so that they are bespoke to the needs of Wales," he said.

"In devising new policies, the outcomes to be delivered for the people of Wales must be clearly explained and understood."

Earlier in August, the National Farmers' Union launched a consultation of its members, saying Brexit should drive a "new, bold ambition" for farmers.