The Chancellor of the Exchequer has today confirmed £243 million of funding to support Welsh farmers once the UK leaves the EU.

This cash injection will maintain the level of funding for direct payments at the same rate as last year.

The move was welcomed by newly-appointed Welsh Secretary Simon Hart, MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire.

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Chancellor Sajid Javid confirmed the cash will be used to support farmers once the UK leaves the Common Agricultural Policy direct payments scheme, allowing farmers across Wales to plan for the future, sow their crops and care for their livestock with confidence.

The Chancellor said: “When we leave the EU and are freed from the Common Agricultural Policy, we will be able to support our vital rural communities – who are a cornerstone of life in the UK – with a fairer and less bureaucratic system.

“Farmers can enter the new year with confidence that they have our backing and will be able to thrive after Brexit.”

Welsh Secretary, Simon Hart, said: “This funding demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment to providing certainty and support for Wales’ farmers. It also highlights the vast opportunities available to us as we leave the European Union.

“Taking back control of this funding will allow us to better represent the people we serve, ensuring that our farming communities have exactly what they need to flourish after we leave the European Union.”