A poll commissioned by the Country Land and Business Association in Wales (CLA Cymru) has found that just 3% of farmers trust the Welsh Government.

The poll comes amid rising tensions between the Senedd and rural communities as Cardiff develops new post-Brexit funding schemes for agriculture.

Now with the power to determine its own agriculture policy, the Welsh Government has been developing funding schemes that will replace the previous subsidy model with mechanisms to pay farmers for delivering environmental improvements.

While similar schemes have already been rolled out in England, slowly securing the support of farmers there, the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) is only at the formal consultation stage.

The same poll also found that 87% of farmers believed that SFS would neither support their business nor deliver positive environmental outcomes. Just 6% said they would opt into the schemes in their current form, which many consider to be unnecessarily prescriptive and complex.

CLA Cymru director Victoria Bond said: “This is damning evidence, but it only proves what we already know – rural communities feel ignored and let down by the Welsh Government.

“The next First Minister must govern for all of Wales – not just the urban and industrial parts. Rural Wales is as much a part of our national culture as our cities, steelworks, and former mining communities.

“As farmers, we work tirelessly to produce high quality food, and we are on the front line in the fight against climate change and nature decline. It is perfectly reasonable to expect the government to work with us constructively in the national interest.”

Ms. Bond pointed to schemes in England, which she argues have been improved by constant collaboration between Defra and rural organisations.

She added: “With a new First Minister we have the chance to hit the reset button.

"We know that schemes to support environmentally friendly land management practices can work when developed in a spirit of mutual respect,” said Ms Bond.

The poll is another blow to the Welsh Government by the agri sector.

Around 100 tractors and agricultural vehicles took part in a go-slow protest through Newtown before arriving at a hustings for the Welsh Labour leadership contest.

In early February, around 3000 farmers and supporters gathered in Carmarthen which featured a coffin representing farming in Wales paraded into the venue.

Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths met with farming unions earlier this week.

Speaking after the meeting she said: “Many of the issues discussed were common with those we heard from the 3200 farmers who’ve attended the Welsh Government events.

“I reiterated to them this is a genuine consultation. It is still open, and I would continue to urge people to take part and give us their views.

"We will consider every individual response.

“Once the consultation is over I will receive a detailed analysis of the responses, and as I’ve said before I would expect to make changes to the scheme as a result.

“It is vitally important people take part in the consultation. Please do find time to respond as your views matter.”

The protests have won the backing of Clarkson’s Farm star Kaleb Cooper who took to social media with a picture of a field and the text “To all the Welsh farmers who are protesting we all stand with you! No Farmers No Food.”

Jeremy Clarkson has also voiced his support for farming in Wales on social media.

He said: “I’m trying to see the Welsh farming policy from the government’s point of view. And I just can’t. It’s completely daft.”