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At the pumphouse with (from left) Lord Elis-Thomas, FUW president Emyr Jones and Tegwyn Jones.[/caption]
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A presidential line up (from left) Gareth Vaughan with FUW president Emyr Jones and Bob Parry.[/caption]
Two former presidents of the Farmers’ Union of Wales - Bob Parry and Gareth Vaughan- have been advanced to fellows of the Royal Agricultural Societies (RAS) for their continued contribution to the agricultural and rural industries in Wales.
“It is with great delight that we have received news that two of our former presidents will receive the honour of being advanced fellows of the RAS. I congratulate them whole heartedly and cannot thank them enough for all the sterling work they have done not just for the union but agriculture as a whole,” said FUW president Emyr Jones.
Mr Parry of Bryngwran, Holyhead, was made an associate in 2004 following his submission entitled “My role in Welsh agriculture”.
He played an influential role in shaping Welsh agriculture within the FUW as livestock committee chairman, deputy president and president - a role he held for 12 years.
His knowledge and expertise helped with many decisions and discussions including compensation for farmers as a result of the Chernobyl fallout, live exports, the CAP reform, promoting Welsh lamb internationally and the setting up of the Beef Promotion Council.
Mr Parry continues to make an outstanding contribution to his community in his role as county councillor.
Mr Vaughan of Dolfor, near Newtown, was made an associate in 2009 following his submission “Investing in the future”.
During his role as FUW president he travelled far and wide representing fellow farmers and his contribution to the Welsh farming community was recognised by the Queen in the 2011 New Years Honours list.
Since his retirement from the FUW Mr Vaughan has remained extremely active in the industry - sitting on committees, chairing FWAG Cymru and supporting charities.
The Welsh national panel and national moderators panel of the RAS council of awards approved the advancement of seven other industry personalities, all made associates in 2009, by also granting them the coveted title of Fellowship of the Royal Agricultural Societies (FRAgS).
FUW member Tegwyn Jones of Mallwyd, Machynlleth, who has also advanced to fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies, was made an associate following his submission “Farming conservation and energy production”,” added Mr Jones.
“Tegwyn can certainly be considered an enterprising and successful farmer and needs to be congratulated warmly on his achievement,” said Emyr Jones.
By exploring new ways to utilise the family hill farm, Mr Jones has expanded his farming enterprises to encompass and make full use of the available natural resources, which now include two very successful hydro-electric schemes.
To share his knowledge and innovative skills and determination to be successful, Mr Jones has hosted many farm visits and undertaken numerous talks to farming organisations and training groups where he encourages others to ‘think outside the box’.
“I would also like to congratulate Edwin Hughes of Cornist Ganol Farm, Flint, Meurig James, of Whitland, Peredur Hughes of Llanddeusant, Holyhead, David Jones, of Machynlleth, Robert Alwyn Rees of Pennal, Machynlleth and John T Davies of Eglwyswrw, Pembrokeshire on their honours,” added Mr Jones.
All nine fellows will be officially presented with their certificates at a reception held on the Tuesday evening of this year’s Royal Welsh Show.