Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb has voiced his concern about falling farm incomes and the impact this will have on the farming industry in Pembrokeshire.

This follows a recent forecast made by the department for the environment, food and rural affairs, which suggests that farm incomes could plummet by 8% in 2010.

Last month, Stephen spent a day on a farm visit with representatives of the Pembrokeshire branch of the NFU, to hear about the current issues facing the local agricultural sector.

Discussions focused on the power of the supermarkets, the recent drop in milk prices, restrictive legislation governing livestock, the collapse of the Dairy Farmers of Britain co-operative and the steps that government could take to show support for this vital industry.

Stephen said: “I was pleased to visit Lochmeyler Farm and I was greatly impressed with the attitude of the farmers who took time out of their busy day to meet me. But I am aware that a drop in farm income will only increase the challenges facing Pembrokeshire’s farmers.

“The farmers that I met are concentrating on moving forward and doing everything to secure a future for their industry here in west Wales.

“However, I am concerned there are many farmers struggling against the tide of change and the immense financial pressures on the industry.

“A positive future can only be achieved if there are real and determined steps taken by government at Westminster and Assembly levels to enable farmers compete on fairer terms. Re-balancing the supply chain in the face of enormous supermarket buying power will be key to this.”

He pledged to continue his fight for the introduction of a supermarket ombudsman to ensure fairness for farmers in the supply chain.

He also reiterated his support for the steps being taken by the Welsh Assembly to address the issue of bovine TB.