A West Wales farmer today called for Chinese lanterns to be banned after a total of 10 fell on his fields on three separate occasions over the past three months.

Former Farmers' Union of Wales Pembrokeshire county chairman Griff Owen said six lanterns came down together in grazing fields on his farm alongside the Cleddau estuary at Oxland Lane, Burton, near Milford Haven, in May. Two more were discovered about three weeks ago and the remaining two the weekend before last.

"The first six were the most dangerous threat to livestock because the main frame was made up of a circular piece of thickish wire, to which the paper canopy was attached, and the candle wick was held by a criss-cross of thinner wire. Had they landed some 20 to 30 yards further away they would have been in silage fields.

"They could have then been picked up by the forage harvester and come the winter months we would have found wire inside our cows' stomachs. This type of lantern is the worst.

"The second lot we found had a circular wooden frame but it still had a criss-cross of thin wire holding the candle wick and the most recent lot were the environmental-friendly type with a wooden frame and thick cotton holding the wick.

"We have no idea who launched them as all three lots came from different directions. I think they should all be banned - even the so-called environment-friendly ones because they are not completely safe. I spotted the cows, who are pretty inquisitive, licking the last two to come down and who knows what problems they could suffer as a result.

"Consumers are always talking about the maintaining the welfare of livestock and then they let these things go up and, inevitably, they come back down on to our farmland."

The FUW has carried out an all-Wales survey of the problems created by Chinese lanterns and received reports of similar incidents in Flintshire, Glamorganshire and Carmarthenshire.

FUW's Glamorganshire county executive officer Adrian Evans said the son of a member was checking livestock at about 10pm one evening when he discovered a Chinese lantern had landed in a barn.

"It could very well have set the barn and it contents of hay and straw on fire as the lantern was still smouldering," Mr Evans added.

For sale on the internet for as little as £1.99 each, Chinese lanterns can fly for up to 20 minutes and rise over a mile into the sky. Traditionally flown during Chinese and Thai celebrations, they have been used for nearly 2,000 years.

[caption id="attachment_4851" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Gareth Vaughan and Elin Jones during her visit to his farm.[/caption]

Following intensive lobbying an 11th hour addition of a new eligibility option for maintaining existing fences on stock-excluded woodland in the National Assembly's Glastir scheme underlines the Farmers' Union of Wales arguments for a delay in the scheme's introduction, a union leader said today.

"With just three months to go before the November 1 closing date for Glastir applications, the addition of this new option, whilst welcome, proves that our calls for a delay are completely justified as farmers are still struggling with the complexities of the scheme," said the chairman of the union's land use committee Richard Vaughan.

"The FUW has consistently argued that fenced off woodland should be an inherent part of the scheme but it has taken a long time for the Assembly to put this in place and we are concerned that these last minute changes are adding to the confusion amongst farmers.

"This confirms our prolonged concerns that the scheme has been too hastily devised with insufficient thought put into how practical it would be for farmers.

"We now find ourselves in a position where we have been lobbying hard for these new options whilst remaining frustrated at the time it has taken for the Assembly to adopt the suggestions which will help make the scheme more accessible for farmers," said Mr Vaughan.

The union's concerns were reiterated during its annual general meeting, which was addressed by rural affairs minister Elin Jones, and during her recent visit to FUW president Gareth Vaughan's farm at Dolfor, near Newtown.

"Each of the scheme's options has been allocated a set number of points for various land management projects and to exclude woodland from the All-Wales element of Glastir, despite it being an important feature of previous schemes, was baffling. For many farms, dairy in particular, the omission could have meant exclusion from the scheme," said Mr Vaughan.

"We now welcome the belated acceptance of our demand as a positive step forward but regrettably many issues about the scheme still remain of concern to our members," he added.

The aims of Option 40 are to encourage the continued growth of trees and shrubs to maintain the fabric of the woodland; and to enhance the character of the landscape.

Management requirements include:

This option is available on single blocks of existing broadleaved/conifer woodland with a minimum area of 0.5ha as defined on the National Forestry Index irrespective of whether they have been fenced under a previous scheme.

Any woodland entered into a current Tir Gofal, Improved Land Premium, Woodland Grant Scheme, Better Woodlands For Wales, Farm Woodland Premium Scheme and Farm Woodland scheme is not eligible for this option.

The existing fence must be maintained to exclude stock for the lifetime of the contract. If no existing fence is present it is acceptable to erect a new fence to ensure the area is stock excluded. (Points available for this option are for the maintenance of an existing fence only - existing from the start date of AWE Glastir contract)

Stock must be excluded at all times.

The woodland must not be used for supplementary feeding.

The rules for habitat under the Whole Farm Code will apply to the woodland entered into this option.

The Farmers' Union of Wales today stressed that its campaign against Brazilian beef imports is totally justified following the European Ombudsman's strong criticism of the European Commission's delay in banning such imports in 2008 in a bid to deal with risks from foot and mouth disease.

The FUW joined forces with the Fairness for Farmers in Europe action group of British and Irish farming organisations in July 2007 to lodge a formal complaint to the European Ombudsman that the Commission should have imposed a complete import ban on Brazilian beef because of potential animal health threats.

Foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease affecting certain animals, in particular, cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and deer. Different zones in Brazil have different foot and mouth disease statuses and the World Organisation for Animal Health considers that only one State in Brazil is foot and mouth disease-free without vaccination.

Certain zones in Brazil are "foot and mouth disease-free with vaccination". All other zones in Brazil are "not foot and mouth disease-free". The EU is currently recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health as being "foot and mouth disease-free without vaccination".

FUW's deputy president Emyr Jones said that during the Ombudsman's investigation the Commission agreed that serious deficiencies in the Brazilian beef control system had indeed been identified and although it imposed import restrictions it rejected an outright ban.

Those restrictions still left 412 Brazilian cattle farms eligible to export to the EU, compared to around 10,000 previously.

"We felt the restrictions were not strong enough because, following a fact-finding mission to Brazil in November 2007, the EU's own Food and Veterinary Office identified 'serious' deficiencies in the Brazilian system of sanitary controls," said Mr Jones.

The Ombudsman pointed out that the Commission did not immediately impose special conditions on all imports of beef from Brazil once it had analysed the report of the November 2007 mission.

Rather, it allowed consignments of meat, for which veterinary certificates were issued prior to 31 January 2008 and which were "en route" to the EU at that date, to be imported into the EU until 15 March 2008.

"The Commission failed to justify adequately why it permitted, between 1 February 2008 and 15 March 2008, imports of consignments of beef from Brazil into the EU," the Ombudsman added. He also noted that the Commission's decision states that the purpose of the exception was to "avoid disruption of trade".

Mr Jones said: "We believe the Commission should have taken more stringent measures to prevent Brazilian beef from entering the EU and we welcome the Ombudsman's criticism of the Commission for allowing Brazilian beef imports into the EU from 10,000 unapproved farms between February and March 2008.

"The Ombudsman has also demanded that the Commission continues regular inspections outside the EU to ensure necessary standards of animal and public health are respected before food is imported into the EU. His ruling vindicates our decision to make this complaint."

The Ombudsman stated that the Commission should continue to conduct regular missions to third countries for the purposes of carrying out systematic checks to ensure that such countries not only propose, but also adopt and keep in place adequate phytosanitary controls.

"Adequate phytosanitary controls should provide at least an equivalent level of protection as is provided within the EU," the Ombudsman added.

Mr Jones said: "We believe the Ombudsman has delivered a clear signal to the Commission that any continuing or future failure to impose such import restrictions would mean that the Commission would be guilty of maladministration."

Meanwhile, the FUW maintains its 'Buy The Welsh One' campaign is more relevant than ever and it is pleased that Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) is supporting the union's presence on the National Eisteddfod Maes at Ebbw Vale this week.

Eisteddfodwyr can find Welsh Beef and Welsh Lamb, cheeses, fruit, vegetables and cider - all produced locally - on the union's stand where they can also pick up a copy of HCC's popular book for children Cool2Cook2 featuring recipes for meaty tomato pasta; sticky carrot and orange muffins; Welsh Lamb stir fry; Welsh Lamb patties; beefy chip-topped pie; stir-fry fruit; spicy Welsh Lamb koftas; and sweet and sour pork.

Also featured on the stand is the Community Food Co-operative Programme in Wales which supports the Welsh Assembly Government's local sourcing action plan and encourages the reduction of food miles and more sustainable practices.

It supports local growing and purchasing of fruit and vegetables where possible and creates greater links between urban and rural areas. A pilot scheme for Welsh meat and fish is also being worked on.

"The programme has gone from strength to strength, with over 270 community food co-operatives running to date, over 80 of which are in schools, providing fruit and vegetables to approximately 6,500 families and engaging around 1,500 volunteers," said the programme's Welsh produce manager Mark Jones.

The programme sells around 11,000 bags of fruit and vegetables per week at £2.50 and £3 a bag - an average of 60 bags per food co-op. An average bag of fruit, vegetables or salad can feed a family of four people.

Currently nine growers, 32 retailers, 22 wholesalers and one social enterprise supply the food co-operatives. The retailers and wholesalers are selected on the basis that they provide as much local produce as possible. One of the growers supplies more than 50 of the co-operatives in North Wales.

Farm tenants on the 23,000-acre Vyrnwy Estate - surrounding the popular Lake Vyrnwy tourist attraction - which is up for sale at around £11m have expressed fears for their future at a meeting organised by the Farmers' Union of Wales' Montgomeryshire county branch.

They are concerned the sale of the estate could lead to major changes in their tenancies. FUW Montgomeryshire county chairman Alwyn Watkins said they feared a new owner could take a firmer stance with its management approach.

The estate is the largest single block of land to come to the market in living memory. For sale on a 125-year lease, it includes almost 12,000 acres of farmland, 5,000 acres of woodland, 13 let farms and 31 let residential and commercial buildings.

The 1,113-acre Lake Vyrnwy is also owned by Severn Trent Water and supplies fresh water to Liverpool.

Mr Watkins, who chaired the meeting, said afterwards: "The majority of tenants are on Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 tenancies and have been assured of their situation in respect of their tenancies, but a new owner of the estate would probably take a more robust approach to its management in the future.

"The tenants were alerted that moves may be made to introduce changes to clauses in their agreements, such as responsibility for repairs etc, and they were also made aware of the importance of seeking advice at rent reviews.

"This sale could mean a major change for the local community in Llanwddyn and for the farmers who farm the land on the estate."

Also present at the meeting were FUW's director of business development Emyr James; land agent and agricultural tenancy experts from Davis Meade Property Consultants, of Oswestry; and a representative of Gamlins Solicitors, Bangor.

"It was explained to the tenants what was involved in a lease arrangement and how this could impact on their farming business and the local community," said Mr James.

Mr Watkins added: "This is likely to be a major change for the local community here in Llanwddyn and for the farmers who farm the land on the estate. The meeting was obviously valued by the tenant farmers judging by the number that were present.

"We will continue to monitor the situation with this sale with great interest

The poignant manner in which TV farming programme presenter Adam Henson reported on bovine TB testing on his Cotswold farm was one of the reasons why he has been chosen as the first winner of the Farmers' Union of Wales Bob Davies Memorial Award.

In a recent episode of BBC ONE's popular Sunday evening Countryfile programme, Adam could barely disguise his emotions after losing one of the two splendid Longhorn steers he spent months training to work as draft oxen.

The award - in memory of Farmers Weekly Wales correspondent Bob Davies, of Welshpool, who died last November, aged 69 - is offered to a media personality who has raised the public profile of Welsh farming.

Adam has delivered thousands of lambs on his 1,625-acre farm in the Cotswolds. As well as managing more than 1,000 sheep, his farm also includes the Cotswold Farm Park, which has more than 50 flocks and herds of rare-breed farm animals including 198 pigs, 14 Highland cattle and 15 different breeds of sheep.

His passion for rare breeds was passed down from his father and, since 2001, Adam has been a regular presenter on Countryfile, reporting on his own fortunes in the regular feature Adam's Farm.

He has also reported live from Jim and Kate Beavans' sheep farm near Abergavenny for BBC TWO's recent BBC Lambing Live series. The Beavans are a sheep-farming dynasty in the foothills of the Brecon Beacon where they run two farms as one business.

Lambing Live reported live from the main farm where Jim is responsible for the day-to-day running and he and Kate took on the lion's share of training Adam's co-presenter Kate Humble how to deliver lambs.

Adam was unavailable to receive his award from FUW president Gareth Vaughan at a reception during the Royal Welsh Show this evening (Wednesday July 21 at 6.30pm) due to a busy filming schedule for Countryfile.

However, in true Hollywood Oscars style, a DVD clip of his acceptance speech was played to guests at Mr Vaughan's reception and the Beavans accepted the award - a shepherd's crook made by Hywel Evans of Capel Dewi, near Aberystwyth - on his behalf.

"Adam Henson fully deserves to receive this inaugural award because he has clearly met the criteria of raising the public profile of Welsh farming through his programmes which are watched by a huge audience throughout the UK," said Mr Vaughan.

The Bob Davies Award recognises the major contribution made to agricultural journalism in Wales including 44 years as the Farmers Weekly's accomplished Wales correspondent. His widow Jennifer and daughter Emma attended the presentation ceremony.

The chairman of Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), Montgomeryshire beef and sheep farmer Rees Roberts, was this evening (Wednesday July 21 at 6.30pm) presented with the Farmers' Union of Wales gold medal for services to Welsh agriculture.

Mr Roberts, who has held a number of senior positions in the British agricultural industry over many years, received the medal from FUW president Gareth Vaughan during the Royal Welsh Show.

He was the Commissioner for Wales on the Meat and Livestock Commission from 1998 until taking over as the inaugural chairman of HCC when it was formed in April 2003. Prior to this he was also chairman of Welsh Lamb and Beef Producers Ltd.

Over the years he has served on a number of public bodies, including the Welsh Assembly Government's Strategic Food and Drink Advisory Group and the Agri?Food Partnership Lamb and Beef Strategy Group.

He is a member of the Lord Chancellor's advisory committee for JPs and of Dolen Ffermio, a charity that promotes links between Wales and Uganda.

In 2004 he became a Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Society and in 2006 he was voted the Food Personality of the Year by Food and Industry magazine.

A Nuffield scholar, he has also served as a member of the Hill Farming Advisory Sub?Committee for Wales, a governor of Llysfasi College and, earlier in his career, as chairman of the FUW's hill farming committee.

Mr Roberts is aged 59 and was awarded the OBE in 2002 for services to agriculture. Married to Sally, the couple have two daughters - Bethan and Ceri - and live at Efailwag Farm, Llanrhaeadr?ym?Mochnant, Oswestry.