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Hannah Blythyn AM shows support for #FarmingMatters with FUW Flintshire County Chairman Eurwyn Roberts[/caption]
Farmers’ Union of Wales officials reminded newly appointed Delyn AM Hannah Blythyn of the important role Welsh agricultural plays in the rural economy, when they met at the Denbigh and Flint County Show (Thursday, August 18).
FUW Flintshire County Chairman Eurwyn Roberts said: “We were delighted to welcome Hannah Blythyn to our stand at the show and used the opportunity to highlight just how important farming is to our rural economy. 90% of farm incomes are spent in a 20 mile radius and it can’t be underestimated how much these family farms contribute to the rural economy.
“Therefore we stressed the point that future legislation has to favour food production, not least of all if we want to see the next generation of farmers succeed. Our young people need to be encouraged to stay in their local areas to ensure the survival of our communities. But there are some issues that need to be addressed to help the process, such as affordable rural housing, ensuring they have access to 21st century tools such as a reliable broadband connection and mobile phone signal, as well as providing a platform where they can kick-start their farming lives from. However, the older generation must not be forgotten in all of this. If we are to bring the next generation into farming we need to have an exit strategy for the older generation too.
“There is a critical timeline ahead of us that offers plenty of opportunity for us to shape the future we want and need here in Wales and the FUW is taking a lead role in shaping the arguments that will secure a future that is favourable to Welsh agriculture and rural life.”