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FUW members discuss #FarmingMatters with Anglesey AM[/caption]
A successful farm visit has been held by the Anglesey branch of the Farmer’ Union of Wales with Rhun ap Iorwerth AM, on Friday October 14.
The visit was held at Rhos Helyg, Gaerwen home to Iwan and Rebecca Jones, a young couple and tenants of a County Council small holding.
The couple run a sheep and cattle collection centre centrally located on the Island and close to the A55 carriageway.
FUW Anglesey County Executive Officer Heidi Williams said: “I would like to thank Iwan and Rebecca for hosting the visit last week. It was an opportunity for us to raise #FarmingMatters with Rhun ap Iorwerth and we discussed the current rural economy and the importance of the family farm, as well as concerns the industry has in light of Brexit.”
Discussing the importance of Council Farms and their importance in providing a starting base for young people, Mrs Williams added: “The sale of local council holdings is of great concern for us here on Anglesey. Council farms provide a stepping stone for our young people to get into the industry and whilst we appreciate the financial difficulties councils find themselves in, selling off their holdings does nothing to support those who want to get started in the industry.
“It is clear that if we want to ensure that Wales develops its full potential in being a rural economic powerhouse, we must make it attractive for working families to stay. Agriculture can play a huge part in making that happen, given the amount of jobs it has to offer. However, for young people to get a foot in the door there are issues that need to be addressed.
“If the problem of rural depopulation is not addressed with some urgency it could have severe consequences for our rural communities and with that also our rural economy."