Brecon & Radnor Day organised by the Farmers' Union of Wales at the House of Commons on October 22 was an excellent shop window to show a wide audience what the county offers, the local MP told dozens of fellow MPs and peers.
"As Member of Parliament for Brecon & Radnorshire I was honoured to host Brecon & Radnor Day in Westminster together with the Brecon & Radnor branch of the FUW," said Roger Williams.
"The event was an excellent shop window to show the wider audience what these historic counties have to offer.
"Most businesses within my constituency are connected to agriculture or tourism and it is very heartening to see so many diversified agricultural businesses succeeding in this area.
“Some say that it is more difficult to be successful in a rural area - and, undoubtedly, more challenges have to be overcome in an area such as Brecon & Radnor.
"However, it was very encouraging to see so many successful businesses present at Brecon & Radnor Day which proves that success is possible."
FUW deputy president Glyn Roberts, who farms near Betws-y-Coed, said: "We are really grateful to Mr Williams and his staff members in the constituency and at Westminster for all the help they have given us to make sure this project was a great success.
“Mr Williams is a strong supporter of agriculture, food and the rural economy and his enthusiasm for this event underlines that. He has always been ready to help the farming community and has cemented close links with the FUW."
Companies displaying a range of Welsh food and drink included Radnor Hills, founded in 1991 by William Watkins as a diversification from his family’s farm.
The company now bottles over 130 million bottles per annum of mineral water and soft drinks on six production lines at the site in Knighton and has an annual turnover of over £25 million.
Products include premium presses, school compliant drinks, juice drinks and flavoured waters for the foodservice and catering sectors.
Another local company, Brecon Brewing, was established in 2011 by Buster Grant, one of Wales’ best known brewers. Brecon Brewing has created a range of beers, full of flavour and character inspired by the dramatic locality, working with the local community and reigniting interest in Brecon.
Also attending were Penderyn Distillery which, since its launch, has become one of the most recognised brands to emanate from Wales and is now sold extensively throughout the UK and worldwide.
It has gained the highest praise of the whisky industry and won numerous international awards, including honours at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competitions.
The Welsh Venison Centre also provided cooked meats as tasters for the hundreds of visitors to Brecon & Radnor Day as did Steve Morgans Butchers who have shops in Brecon and Builth Wells.
Love at First Bake provided tasters of scones and cakes which are all made with gluten free ingredients. Chef on the Run, run by Rachel Carnell in Hay-on-Wye, had tasters of jams and preserves.
Caroline Frampton, who runs Carolines Real Bread, had a display and tasters of many different breads that she produces at her base in Merthyr Cynog.
Also at the event were Brecon-based Ty-Mawr Lime Ltd, one of the foremost manufacturers and suppliers of traditional and sustainable building materials in the UK today.
Both Radnorshire and Breconshire YFCs had a strong representation from their members and provided an excellent display of what the organisation has to offer young people in the area.
Brecknock and Radnorshire wildlife trusts had a display promoting wildlife conservation in the area.
Royal Welsh Agricultural Society chief executive Steve Hughson attended and had a display which included a life-size model of a sheep as well as a video feed of this year’s Royal Welsh Show.
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From left, Glyn Roberts, Roger Williams and Secretary of State for Wales Stephen Crabb[/caption]
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From left, Glyn Roberts, Roger Williams, Under Secretary of State for Wales Baroness Randerson, FUW Brecon and Radnor county executive officer Aled Jones and representatives of Breconshire and Radnorshire YFCs.[/caption]