AM CHALLENGES MINISTER ON FAMILY FARM SUPPORT

9.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 24th Sep 2008

Eleanor Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for North Wales today challenged the Minister for Rural Affairs, Elin Jones to outline how she and her Government intend to support family farms during the current pressure they face from animal disease.

Speaking in the Senedd this afternoon Ms. Burnham said, "The economic and emotional strain owners of family farms find themselves under due to the impact of TB and Bluetongue can be devastating. What are you doing to help?"

However, Ms. Jones could only answer with reference to a "consultation on the future of family farms".

Speaking later Ms. Burnham said, "This is very disappointing. The government here continues to neglect the plight of the upland farming families who are the backbone of many Welsh communities.

"Many family-owned farms are barely surviving at subsistence level as it is, and I will continue to lobby the Minister and this Labour/Plaid Assembly Government to provide these hard-working families with the support they deserve"