Grass roots views sought from growing FUW Carmarthenshire membership

With membership of the Farmers' Union of Wales in Carmarthenshire boosted considerably last year the county office has arranged a series of sub-branch meetings this month.

The increase led to the union's Carmarthen-based county executive officer Meinir Bartlett receiving the new members award at the annual FUW staff conference recently.

And Glamorgan area officer Sam Evans, who is also based at the Carmarthen office, picked up the FUW Insurance highest book growth award.

The forthcoming sub-branch meetings are:

East Carmarthenshire - Thursday February 7 at the Cottage Inn, Llandeilo, at 7.30pm with guest speaker FUW deputy director of agricultural policy Rhian Nowell-Phillips.

West Carmarthenshire - Tuesday February 12 at Llanboidy Football/Social Club (7.30pm) with guest speaker, FUW policy officer Andrew Gurney.

North Carmarthenshire - Thursday February 21 at the Talardd, Llanllwni, (7.30pm) with guest speaker FUW senior policy officer Hazel Wright.

South Carmarthenshire - Thursday February 28 at Upper Tumble Social Club (7.30pm) with guest speaker FUW director of agricultural policy Nick Fenwick.

Presentations at the first three events will be based on the future of the Rural Development Plan 2014-2020 and its effects on Agri Environment Schemes, Farming Connect and Rural Development, and Dr Fenwick will give an update on CAP reform, in terms of Pillar 1, and other issues.

Also present at all meetings will be David Foode, of E-On energy suppliers, providing details of the favourable contracts available to FUW members.

Mrs Bartlett said: "Members' attendance at these meetings, where they can present their views as the grass roots of the industry, is vitally important.

"Their contributions will assist the union to represent, fight and safeguard their interests more effectively in the future. We look forward to seeing members at their most convenient location."