Live updates as thousands of farmers head to Cardiff in protest

Thousands of farmers are heading to Cardiff to take part in a protest over a number of issues threatening the industry. Protests have been taking place across Wales over the last few weeks over the Welsh Government's sustainable farming scheme which they say will result in 5,500 direct job losses.

Organisers estimate 10 to 15,000 people could attend, which would likely make it the largest protest event in the Senedd's history. Under the proposals being put forward in the sustainable farming scheme, set to be implemented from 2025, farms would need to dedicate 10% of their land to tree planting and another 10% to wildlife habitats to qualify for payments.

The Welsh Government say the measures are needed to tackle the climate and nature emergencies. You can see a summary of the scheme here. Modelling on the potential economic effects of the sustainable farming scheme published alongside the Welsh Government's own consultation has suggested reduction in farm business income of up to £199 million. For the latest analysis of the biggest stories, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here

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Farmers are also voicing concern about the impact of TB on their farms and food prices. In recent weeks go-slow protests have been held with tractors going to a Labour leadership hustings in Newtown, the office of rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths, and the Welsh Conservative party conference in Llandudno, where Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met farmers.

The Welsh Government say it is consulting with farmers and will make changes. You can