Four meetings will be held in Carmarthenshire by the Farmers’ Union of Wales to explore and discuss the changes to the current common agricultural policy with its membership.

The union’s South Carmarthenshire sub branch will meet on January 21 at Upper Tumble Social Club, the North Carmarthenshire sub branch is to meet at the Forest Arms Brechfa on January 29, the East Carmarthenshire sub branch will meet at the Cottage Inn, Llandeilo on February 11 and the West Carmarthenshire sub branch is meeting on February 19 at Llanboidy Social Club.

“Attendance at these meetings, where members can present their views as the grass roots of the industry, is vitally important. Their contributions will assist the union to represent, fight and safeguard their interest more effectively in the future,” said FUW county executive officer David Waters.

For more details about the meetings contact Mr Waters on 01267 237 974.

The Ceredigion branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales is joining in the effort to highlight the importance of having a good breakfast by hosting two farmhouse breakfast functions next week.

“Building on the success of last year’s breakfast function at Trefere Fawr, we have this year organised two breakfasts to raise money for the president’s charities T? Gobaith and T? Hafan and to celebrate the fantastic food we produce not only here in Ceredigion but across Wales,” said FUW Ceredigion county executive officer Caryl Wyn-Jones.

FUW members Sian and Gareth Price will open their doors at 9am on Tuesday, January 27, at Tyn Rhyd, Devils Bridge, Aberystwyth to welcome the rural community for a hearty breakfast in their converted barn, which is also a new business venturing out as a wedding venue, conference and team building location and which also functions as holiday accommodation.

The second breakfast is being hosted by FUW members Arwel and Mary Davies of Pantswllt farm, Talgarreg at Talgarreg Memorial Hall on Wednesday, January 28, also starting at 9am.

“This is not only an opportunity to have a quality Welsh breakfast with items donated by local producers and suppliers such as Birchgrove Eggs, Bara Gwalia of Llanybydder, Owain’s the Butcher of Aberaeron, FUW member and local Llannon butcher Ben Evans and Costcutters Aberaeron, but a chance for farmers to come together to debate the forthcoming change to an area based CAP payment system and to talk to FUW staff about the new Basic Payment scheme,” added Miss Wyn-Jones.

“This is about much more than having a hearty breakfast. Through these functions we create opportunities for farmers across the county to debate current Welsh agricultural policy and it gives us a chance as a union to hear their concerns and ensure they are represented.

“We would like to ask those wishing to attend to contact Emma Davies at the Aberaeron FUW office on 01545 571 222 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  to confirm their place by Thursday, January 22.  This year we only have 30 spaces per breakfast function and therefore we need to operate on a first come first serve basis,” added Miss Wyn-Jones.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales Meirionnydd county branch annual general meeting at the end of the month will give members an opportunity to look at the current state of the agricultural industry and consider its future direction.

The meeting will take place on Friday January 30 (7.30pm) at Clwb Rygbi, Dolgellau and speakers for the evening include shadow minister for sustainable communities for Plaid Cymru, Llyr Huws Griffith AM, Welsh Government director of agriculture, food and marine, Andrew Slade and Hafod y Llan, Nant Gwynant farm manager and former FUW director of policy Arwyn Owen.

FUW county executive officer Huw Jones will also present a short report of the branch’s activities during 2014 at the start of the meeting.

“Once again we are appealing for a strong representation of members from all parts of the county. The meeting will be an ideal opportunity to consider the future of the industry in the short and medium term.”

Further details about the event can be obtained by telephone on 01341 422298 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

FOLLOWING a successful Wales Coastal Path walk and hog roast evening last September, the chairmen of FUW Denbighshire and Flintshire branches recently presented a cheque to union vice president Richard Vaughan - who accepted the money on behalf of president Emyr Jones - for the union’s chosen charity T? Gobaith and T? Hafan childrens' hospices.

The final total raised by the members, families and friends of the two counties was £4,278.

County executive officer Rhys Roberts said: “it was an outstanding effort on the part of the two counties to raise such a significant sum for an extremely worthwhile cause.

“This reflects the excellent support within the two counties for the union.”

[caption id="attachment_4120" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] UNION SUPPORT: From left, FUW Denbighshire county chairman John Roberts and Flintshire county chairman Tim Faire present the cheque to Richard Vaughan.[/caption]