First Milk's incoming chairman Sir Jim Paice MP predicted a great future for UK dairy producers with excellent export potential when he addressed the Farmers' Union of Wales reception during Welsh Dairy Show on Monday night (October 14).
Sir Jim said First Milk had opened an office in Hong Kong and if the population there increased its dairy consumption by just 100g a year it would equate to an annual total of 1.3 million tons.
He said Great Britain is one of the main producers of choice that could take the full benefits of the potential increase of exports.
"Britain also produces a greater variety of cheese than other countries including France - a fact I believe is not known by many," he added.
Answering a question from a member of the audience of over 100, Sir Jim said he was extremely disappointed by the Westminster Government’s decision to remove ministerial rank from the Defra farming role following the recent sacking of farming minister David Heath after holding the position for only a year.
He said the decision raised questions about the Government’s commitment to food and farming.
Before the reception Sir James paid a visit to the dairy farm of FUW members Dyfrig and Elizabeth Davies (trading as Penycoed Farm Ltd), at Penycoed Farm, Llangynin Road, St Clears, near Carmarthen.
Mr and Mrs Davies have a traditional farm with a flying herd of 300 cattle, calves being sold whilst purchasing maiden heifers between 15 and 30 months, and over the past few years they have successfully diversified by developing a leisure complex known as Llety Cynin (www.lletycynin.co.uk).
They have also invested in creating an under-pass connecting two separate parcels of land, thus avoiding the need for stock to cross a busy road.
The future of family farmers and bovine TB issues were the main topics for discussion during the farm visit.
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FARM VISIT: From left, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MP Simon Hart, farmer Dyfrig Davies and Sir Jim.[/caption]
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TIME FOR A CUPPA: From left, Dyfrig Davies, Sir Jim and FUW president Emyr Jones[/caption]