News that Northern Ireland could be granted access to the European Single Market and Customs Union, shows that it is possible to achieve what the Farmers’ Union of Wales has been calling for since the EU referendum.

Speaking from his farm in Pembrokeshire, FUW Deputy President Brian Thomas said: “Different parts of the UK can’t be treated differently and we therefore call on the UK government to ensure that Wales, given its heavy reliance on red meat exports to the EU, is given the same treatment. Should this deal be offered and come to fruition we fully expect to have the same offered to us.

“In the farming community there is a real sense of worry, alarm and anger about the state of Brexit negotiations, and how the current state of play compares to what was promised by many before the referendum.

“And whilst we recognise that the Irish border situation presents some unique challenges that need to be overcome, rural Wales has challenges of its own, such the economic challenges we have long highlighted. We need to recognise the impact that failure to secure such access and reach agreement for Wales could have. Denying Wales access to the Single Market and Customs Union would have catastrophic consequences, as recently highlighted in scenarios from the FAPRI and Horizon reports.”

News that 20 banks across Wales are to be closed in 2018 has sparked criticism from the Farmers’ Union of Wales, who describe the closures as devastating news for rural businesses.

The NatWest bank branches facing closure are Porthcawl, Whitchurch in Cardiff, Llandaff in Cardiff, Pembroke, Treforest Estate, Ammanford, University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, Cardigan, Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan, Dolgellau, Chepstow, Lampeter, Maesteg, Pencoed, Llandeilo, Rumney in Cardiff, Milford Haven, Talbot Green, Mumbles in Swansea and Narberth.

FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “The closure of those 20 banks will have a detrimental effect on the towns, as they serve not only villages but many of the neighbourhoods in surrounding areas, as well as providing employment to local people.

“These banks are 70% owned by the UK taxpayer, so we have to ask why are there no conditions to the bailout that guarantees access to such services. It is clear that Governments must do more for rural Wales.”

In addition the FUW is concerned that internet banking is still not option in all rural areas across Wales as many people will not have an appropriate internet connection- if they have a connection at all, and others may be worried about banking online for cyber security reasons.

The Glamorgan branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales held a successful President’s Charity Quiz night, raising vital funds for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru and the Farming Community Network (FCN).

The event was held on Friday, November 24 at Heol Y Cyw Rugby Club and raised £415.

Former FUW Vice-President Lorraine Howells was the Quizmaster on the night, which was a well-attended and enjoyable evening.

FUW Glamorgan CEO Rachel Saunders said: “People were very generous with their time and donations so we had a successful raffle as well and I would like to thank everyone who attended, donated money or a raffle prize. The winning quiz team kindly donated their prize money in the name of Philip Locke, for which we are very grateful.”

Lorraine Howells added: “It remains a priority for us to support these 2 charities and I’m pleased that we have kick-started our fundraising efforts in the county. The FCN supports farmers and families within the farming community through difficult times and we are grateful to them for what they do.

“We also know that dementia is a growing health problem - 1 in 6 people over the age of 80 have dementia, and there are 850,000 people with dementia in the UK. With an anticipated increase in the number of cases of 156 per cent between now and 2051, it equates to two million people, and the burden will fall on rural areas where there are significantly higher proportions of elderly people. So I would like to thank everyone who gave their time and helped in making this evening a success.”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales is urging shoppers to keep their Christmas shopping local to show support for rural and local businesses.

FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “As we speed towards Christmas, I would like to urge you to think about your rural businesses and see if you can buy local, either for the upcoming Christmas dinner or even gifts for family and friends.

“Speak to your local butcher about meat for the Christmas period and see what your local farm shop has to offer - I promise you will find many of the ingredients you need for your Christmas dinner right on your doorstep.

“There are also plenty of small shops around that offer Welsh craft and locally designed gifts and of course the choice for local food gifts is aplenty. It really is worth having a look. These are small decisions we can make that will have a big impact on our rural economy.

“A pound spent locally will go much further than a pound spent in a chain store and it keeps our rural economies going. By supporting our local businesses we don’t help a CEO buy a third holiday home but we help a local mum and dad put food on the table, a family pay their mortgage, a little girl get those dance lessons and a little boy get his favourite team shirt.”