The Farmers’ Union of Wales has described a first meeting with natural resources minister Carl Sargeant today as extremely positive.
The minister was accompanied by deputy food and farming minister Rebecca Evans.
After the meeting, FUW deputy president Glyn Roberts said: "We discussed a broad range of issues of concern to the industry including Wales' strategy for agriculture, bovine TB, and the implementation of the Working Smarter principles in all relevant areas of work undertaken by the Welsh Government.
"There was a broad consensus of agreement on a range of issues and a welcome recognition by all parties that there are some areas where differences of opinion will exist but that this should not be an obstacle to working together in order to secure a sustainable future for agriculture."
Mr Roberts said that a number of concerns regarding the recently-announced Nature Fund were also discussed. "There is some concern that the Nature Fund projects announced to date have not been as farmer-focussed as they could have been,” he said.
"While a number of concerns remain, we welcome the minister's acknowledgement of the key role farmers and land managers should play in delivering environmental and economic benefits through the Nature Fund and any similar schemes."
Mr Roberts said the FUW looked forward to a long and positive working relationship with both the minister and deputy minister.
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FUW deputy president, Glyn Roberts[/caption]