The Farmers’ Union of Wales welcomed the opportunity to take part in a wide-ranging round table discussion about the future of agriculture and the rural economy in Wales post Brexit.
The meeting which took place in Cardiff on Monday (July 4) was the first “stakeholder engagement meeting” held by the Welsh Government outlining the priority that has to be given to the challenges of exiting the environment, agriculture and rural affairs portfolios.
It was chaired by Lesley Griffiths the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs and First Minister Carwyn Jones was present for much of the meeting.
“The situation is challenging but also a great opportunity,” said Glyn Roberts, the Union’s President.
“We’ve got a chance now to focus on creating a completely new and far more suitable way of managing and supporting agriculture here in Wales. We have to embrace this opportunity and work together to achieve the best possible outcome, one that recognises that farming matters.
“But we must never forget the importance of the family farm in the Welsh way of life, nor the importance of agriculture to the wider rural economy.”
Earlier in the day the Union had held its first internal meeting of County Chairmen and Standing Committee Chairmen, since the referendum, to discuss the challenges and also the Union’s response.
“There were very clear messages from the meeting,” said Mr Roberts.
“Many farmers are worried about the state and commitment to existing contracts and we must gain clarity for them. It was good to have the opportunity to raise these issues with the Cabinet Secretary, Lesley Griffiths and to ask for Welsh Government clarifications, which we hope to receive in the next day or two.”
“The feedback from our Members this morning was also positive,” added Mr Roberts.
“I get the impression that everyone has accepted that we are where we are, and must engage proactively and enthusiastically in order to prepare a better future.
“We know that it is currently very difficult to outline a clear plan, not least because of the rapidly changing political landscape in Westminster, but we will work closely with the Welsh Government, other member organisations and departments and also Government in London to get the best result for Wales. This will take time but we are pleased to be involved from the outset.”