FARMERS in their tractors took to roads in Old Colwyn and Colwyn Bay to make a stand against the Welsh Government’s subsidy scheme set to "decimate farming communities."

The Sustainable Farming Scheme, which is to replace farming subsidies after Brexit, has prompted protests by farmers in Wales. Farmers will have to commit to planting trees on 10 per cent of their land and allocate another 10 per cent for wildlife habitats, as part of the government’s proposals.

About 40 tractors took part in the protest on Thursday (February 22).

The action was also tied with the 'No to 20mph default limit' protests. 

North Wales Pioneer: Judith Warrilow took this photos of the tractors. One had a sign 'Food Shortage Soon!'Judith Warrilow took this photos of the tractors. One had a sign 'Food Shortage Soon!' (Image: Judith Warrilow)
Tina Lee, organiser of the against default 20mph protest, said: "Thursday's protest / convoy was to show support to our local farmers and to come together with the 'No to default limit' as it's all part of the Welsh Labour government's Net Zero policy.

"Farmers are being forced to lose 20 per cent [10 per cent of their land and allocate another 10 per cent for wildlife habitats] of their land to plant trees [and for wildlife habitats]. Trees which can't be removed for over 50 years. They will get a subsidised but no figures have been given, but the farmers don't want to lose their land. It's like the government taking away part of our home.

"Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford was meant to have been at the venue [Ysgol Bryn Elian] but cancelled last minute.

"Gareth Wyn Jones was part of the farmers side and myself for the 'No to default 20 limit'. There were at least 40 plus tractors. It was an amazing turn out.

"We drove through Colwyn Bay and people came out of shops and offices to cheer and wave to us.

"We received amazing the support and we are all so grateful that the public are supporting both the farmers and 'No to default 20 limit'."


One eye-witness, who took a video, told the Pioneer: "I didn’t really see anything that wasn’t shown in the video and I’m not sure why the police van was there at the beginning. I didn’t hang around for long but I did see the tractors later on the main road with motorists beeping in support."

Farmers left Old Colwyn and drove along the prom.

They then travelled through Colwyn Bay and turned around at the Marine roundabout, Old Colwyn, before heading to Llandudno.

Harry Saville - Councillor for Gogarth Mostyn, Llandudno, posted on social media shortly after 1pm on Thursday: "The Farmers’ Protest has arrived in Llandudno."


On Wednesday, February 21, farmers arrived outside Coleg Llandrillo’s campus on Cefndy Road, Rhyl, where First Minister Mark Drakeford was officially opening the new £12million Engineering Centre. 

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About 200 farmers followed the first minister to the college and tractors brought the town to a standstill.

The protest attracted a large police presence. 

The Journal published a video showing Mr Drakeford arriving at the college. When inside the new centre, he was asked if it was "nice to get past the tractors" and he seemed to reply: "Nothing better to do, apparently." 


It was understood that Mr Drakeford was due to visit the Queen's Market site in Rhyl. This was cancelled due to the protest.

It is also understood the meeting at Ysgol Bryn Elian took place 'virtually' rather than in person.