The proposal for consultation to relax import restrictions on Welsh and British lamb and beef into the United States of America, which could generate an extra £35 million for the UK economy, has been welcomed by the Farmers’ Union of Wales.

Farming Minister George Eustice confirmed that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has published the proposals, which is a significant step forward.

“This could mean that Welsh and British lamb and beef may well be available for US consumers by early 2017 and with that opens an export market to 300 million consumers for our first class quality produce,” said FUW President Glyn Roberts.

A 1,000-page dossier was submitted to the USDA detailing the safety and quality of British beef and lamb ahead of April’s trade talks with US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in Washington.

“We have met with both George Eustice and with USDA representatives Stan Phillips, Counselor for Agricultural Affairs and Steve Knight, Agricultural Specialist last week at the Royal Welsh Show to discuss #FarmingMatters and as part of those meetings we also highlighted the importance of trade deals for our economy in a post-Brexit world.

“Now more than ever we need to explore other markets, and the US market is one we are keen to develop much stronger relationships with, so this comes as most welcome news. It will also help us in trade negotiations with our allies in the Commonwealth and other countries around the world.”

Defra is now co-ordinating UK farming industry comment for the 60-day consultation and liaising with relevant US trade associations to gain support for proposals.

Tucked away in the Carmarthenshire countryside you will find Rhosyn farm - home of Emma and Neil Rose, who in 2006 swapped the city life to run a self-sufficient smallholding.

Living the dream of running a smallholding, Emma and Neil have never looked back and are now renowned for their excellent pork, sausages and bacon.

The couple were delighted to be asked to become an Ambassador for Welsh Porc in 2015 to promote quality local produce.

They take pride in breeding their own stock, outdoor rearing in the most idyllic surroundings and giving their animals the best quality of care and attention during their time on the farm.

Focusing on rare and native breeds, the couple keep Herdwick Sheep, Gloucester Old Spot Pigs and Golden Guernsey Goats.

Emma, who is Chairman of the Golden Guernsey Goat Society, has focused her effort on preserving the remaining bloodlines, collecting and rehoming the different strains of males from all over the country including Scotland, Northumberland and Norfolk.

These males are taken to Innovis for Semen collection as well as used for stud.

Emma and Neil have managed to also breed two breed champion Goats, with one of their bucklings winning best in Show in Devon.

Both Emma and Neil have taken to farming like a duck to water but neither come from a farming background.

Neil, a qualified Aircraft Engineer and Emma a Programme Manager gave up the stresses of city life with only a few lesson in agriculture gained at night school for Neil.

Emma still works part time for Cosan Consulting to help fund their dreams, including the recent development of an onsite processing unit.

Whilst they both agree they work more hours than they ever did in their previous lives to running a farm, a butchery and catering outfit, which doesn’t leave much time for sleep, they wouldn’t change a thing.

Farming pockets of land covering approximately 100 acres, they use both the Gloucester Old Spots and Herdwicks for clearing the rough ground before returning to pasture, which certainly adds to the taste of the meat that Rhosyn produce.

The meat, which is taken for slaughter in Tregaron, is then butchered by Emma and Neil at their on-site processing unit.

Speaking about the new processing unit Emma says: “This is all very new and has been our ten year dream. We used to use the food centre at Horeb and they have been great, we could not have come this far without them.

“However, with the food centre only being open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, it was a bit restrictive. Now we can process our meat anytime and it gives us much greater flexibility.”

Talking about their pigs, Emma says: “Our Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs are free to explore their surroundings, something which I believe is key to their great taste.

“Thanks to grazing on a wide variety of nutrients and minerals from the soil, our pigs produce stronger flavours and tastier produce.

“This Gloucestershire Old Spot breed is special to us as it delivers as a dual purpose pig, both wonderful bacon and pork, but it is also one of our native breeds; one which I am keen to support and protect.

“I am passionate about being able to give each pig the care and attention it needs, and believe this is essential for producing less-stressed, tastier pork.

“Here at Rhosyn Farm, we aim to give all of our pigs the most natural environment possible. Our sows receive long resting periods throughout the year, and our piglets are encouraged to wean naturally,” she adds.

Locally, Rhosyn is most famous for its award winning sausages that come in a variety of flavours.

In 2014 they were awarded third place at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show annual sausage competition and climbed up the award ladder to first place in 2015 for their Cracked Black Pepper Sausages.

The same year their Beef burgers took second place and the Sweet Dry Cured Bacon was also recognised with a first prize.

Rhosyn can be found three days a week on the regular market in Carmarthen selling their fresh produce both raw to take away and cook at home or cooked on the grill for onsite consumption.

Emma, who travels around Wales supporting various food festivals, mud runs, dog shows and music festivals, said: “Moving my life from the city to the Welsh countryside has allowed me to truly appreciate all the benefits that Wales’ natural surroundings have to offer.

“Thanks to cleaner air and healthier conditions, I believes that pork from Wales is unique in flavour; our award-winning produce is proof of this.

“Supporting local produce gives us the opportunity to understand our food’s true origins. Demand for local produce has shaped our landscape in Wales for generations, and I hope this will continue for years to come.”

Their philosophy is to make the most of what they rear for breeding or meat as possible. Goats milk soap and goat skin rugs have proven to be very popular, and this year they intend to start to sell Herdwick Wool. Pigs ears are even available if you want to treat your dog!

Farmers’ Union of Wales County Executive Officer David Waters, said: “The climate and landscape in Wales provide a natural environment to produce quality pork and Emma and Neil are a wonderful example of how exactly that is done. Their energy and enthusiasm for their produce is inspiring.

“Our Welsh farmers often adapt their farming methods according to the time of year, giving their pigs the exact care that they need in every season. You can’t help but notice that even before cooking, the difference in quality is clear.

“Many traditional, Welsh farms - like Rhosyn farm - often have shorter supply chains, which helps to support local businesses, and is better for the environment.

“The FUW has long been campaigning for people to ‘Buy the Welsh One’ and keep food miles down and I urge all food providers to follow the example already adopted by many of our FUW members who have developed food businesses with short supply chains and transparent traceability from farm to fork.

“There are a growing number of farm-produced quality products now available at farmers’ markets, corner shops, on the internet and even at some supermarkets.

“Sadly, the consumer may have to search painstakingly for such products in supermarkets but there is a growing awareness amongst retailers that they are morally bound to offer local products. And of course there is an increasing awareness from consumers to check labels and check where their food has come from.

“With the United Nations projecting a global population of more than nine billion by 2050, increasing food chain efficiency will become ever more essential.

“Producers and consumers must be part of a food chain that feeds the world, provides fair prices to farmers and works in harmony with the environment.

“And why would you not want to support local food producers like Emma and Neil. If you want to get your taste buds going then you must simply try their goat curry and billy burgers and of course their sausages and bacon.”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales were very pleased to meet with David Jones MP, Minister of State for Exiting the European Union earlier today.

The meeting, which was held at the Royal Welsh Showground, was an informative and  wide-ranging discussion around the issues and concerns impacting the agricultural sector whilst we plan and eventually exit from the European Union.

The Minister pointed out that he had been in this new departmental post for only 5 days and had made it a personal priority to engage with the farmers of Wales, with the FUW as his first port of call, as soon as possible.

“This was his first meeting with any organisation outside Government and demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that agriculture does not suffer during the Brexit process and I’m grateful that he came to us to have that discussion” said Glyn Roberts,  President of The Farmers’ Union of Wales. “We know we face some challenging and worrying times, but knowing that there is someone at the centre of this critical planning process who has a great understanding of Wales and of Welsh agriculture is reassuring. “

“We have agreed to meet again, more formally, at the beginning of September when we will set out our thinking around the concerns for the immediate years leading up to exit which we expect to be as close to 2020 as possible. And of course we will work with as wide a constituency as possible to ensure that the voice of farming in Wales is well represented. #FarmingMatters and planning for it is now taking place at a high level in Government and we plan to play a key part in that planning” said Mr Roberts.

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Former Western Mail farming editor Sally Williams has been recognised for her role in promoting the role Welsh farming plays in our rural economy and has been presented with the Farmers’ Union of Wales Bob Davies Memorial award.

Sally is a Senior Reporter for the Shropshire Star which is campaigning to support British farming.

She was awarded Online News Reporter of the Year 2015 by BBC newsreader Huw Edwards in the Wales Media Awards held in Cardiff.

Sally was previously Country and Farming/Powys Editor for the Trinity Mirror Group's Western Mail/Wales Online and is a former Deputy Editor of the County Times.

The award – in memory of Farmers Weekly Wales correspondent Bob Davies, who died in November 2009 – is offered to a media personality who has raised the public profile of Welsh farming every year.

Bob Davies, who lived in Welshpool, Powys, worked for the national magazine Farmers' Weekly for 44 years.

He covered a variety of issues affecting rural life during his career, including foot-and-mouth outbreaks and BSE.

The list of those who have previously received the award - a shepherd’s crook specially carved by award winning Aberystwyth stick maker Hywel Evans - include former FUW director of public relations Peter Roberts, S4C Ffermio presenter and Carmarthenshire farmer’s daughter Meinir Howells, experienced Ceredigion TV and radio journalist John Meredith, Swansea-based Telesgop managing director Elin Rhys,  BBC TV’s Countryfile presenter Adam Henson, Farmers Guardian journalist Barry Alston, BBC Radio Cymru’s Dei Tomos, Freelance agricultural journalist Meyrick Brown, founding editor of the Welsh Assembly Government’s bilingual Gwlad magazine Roy Hancock, former farming editor of the Western Mail Steve Dube, rural affairs editor at the Daily Post (Wales) Andrew Forgrave and Welsh agricultural broadcaster Hywel James as well as S4C’s Cefn Gwlad presenter Dai Jones, Llanilar.

Presenting the award at the annual FUW President’s reception during the Royal Welsh Show, FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “Through the award the Union recognises the vital role the media play in highlighting farming and rural affairs issues and bringing the countryside closer to those who may not be directly involved with the industry.

“Sally has reported on the Royal Welsh Show, in print and online with videos and pictures and has been a member of the Royal Welsh Show's Publicity Committee for a number of years. She has interviewed Prime Minister David Cameron and farming leaders about many pressing farming issues, including the TB crisis and climate change.

“Sally has over the years been immensely supportive and highlighted a wide range of issues that affect the farming and rural community and for this we thank her today.”

On being presented with the award, Sally said: "I feel surprised and deeply honoured to receive this award in memory of Bob Davies, such a highly-respected journalist.

"I was in Welshpool High School with Bob's daughter Emma, a photographer and it was lovely to see them working together as an effective team at the show.

"The Press Room wasn't quite the same without Bob there in his usual seat.

"The Welsh farming world is like one big family - we all support each other.

"I was lucky to have my daughter, Phoebe helping me each year at the show for 12 years and mum and dad helping behind the scenes over the years too.

"We have made many good friends here, including past winners of this award, which makes it extra special. Thank you very much to everyone at the FUW for this award, which I will treasure, always.

"I hope that we can all do all that we can to continue to support Welsh farming because there is nothing more important than the food we eat and Welsh produce is the best in the world."

The Farmers’ Union of Wales has honoured former FUW President Emyr Jones with the Union’s internal award for services to agriculture to thank him for all he has done for the industry.

Mr Jones stood down as the FUW President following 15 years’ loyal service to the organisation at national level in June 2015.

He was Meirionnydd County Chairman from 1998 to 2000 when he was elected to represent North Wales on the Union’s central finance and organisation committee.

He was elected national Vice President in 2002, Deputy President in 2003 and President in 2011.

Presenting the award on the Wednesday night of the Royal Welsh Show (July 20) at the FUW President’s reception, current Union President Glyn Roberts said: “I wholeheartedly thank Emyr for everything he has done for the FUW, the agricultural industry and our Welsh economy. We are indebted to our former president for his leadership and all he has contributed over the years.”

Mr Jones is married with three children and has four grandchildren. A Welsh speaker, he was born and brought up on the family farm Rhiwaedog, Rhosygwaliau, near Bala.

The farm extends to 360 acres, with a further 400 acres of rented land, and carries a herd of 70 pedigree Welsh Black suckler cows and 1,700 breeding sheep.

Emyr Jones is a prominent member of many organisations, a deacon of his local chapel, and  is a director of Meirionnydd County Show . He also holds the role of Meirionnydd County Show President this year.

His contribution to agriculture was recognised when he became an Associate of the Royal Agricultural Societies, and received the honour of Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies in 2001.

Rhiwaedog has won several accolades over many years including the Royal Welsh Show Farm Buildings Facilities Award and the Snowdonia National Park Society Farming and Landscape Award.

Its main achievement was in 2008 when the farm won the British Grassland Societies National Grassland and Management competition in Wales and went forward to win the UK title.

He is passionately committed to the principles on which the FUW was established has spoken frequently on behalf of the union on radio and television during his time in office.

Speaking about the award, Emyr Jones said: “It’s an honour to be presented with the award this evening.

“I enjoyed myself during my time in office and being President of the FUW for 4 years was an honour.

“I have made many friends over the years, who will undoubtedly be friends for life.

“Farming and the years in front of us are very challenging. We need this Union now more than ever and we need an Assembly Government that is 100 percent behind our industry.

“Our young farmers are as efficient and business minded as they have ever been - but they need support. Many years ago it was easier to make a profit than it is now; the margins couldn’t be tighter - so this government has to support the industry.

“One way of doing that is to deal with the issue of bovine TB so ensure that nothing can put future trade deals in jeopardy and with that the survival our Welsh family farms and rural economy.”

[caption id="attachment_6672" align="alignleft" width="300"] Royal Welsh Show 2016. Wednesday.
Scarlets rugby team support welsh dairy farmers! at the Royal Welsh Show, players having a milkshake.
L/R Will Boyde, Ryan Elias, Wyn Jones, Steff Hughes and Hadleigh Parker, pictured at the FUW stand.[/caption]

In a bid to promote the benefits of drinking milk and to raise awareness of the importance of supporting the Welsh dairy industry, the Farmers’ Union of Wales has once again teamed up with the Scarletts Rugby team at the Royal Welsh Show.

Handing out free milk drinks to children, FUW Dairy Spokesperson Eifion Huws said: “Milk and dairy products have an important part to play in our daily diet as they provide an important source of protein and calcium and contain essential vitamins and minerals, all of which are needed for a balanced diet.

“Indeed, the exclusion of dairy products from the ‘sugar tax’ demonstrates the role such products play in a healthy diet.”

“In addition, with an increasing amount of research into milk as a recovery and re-hydration aid for athletes, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting milk may be just as effective in these areas as some sports drinks,” commented Eifion Huws.

However, despite the recognised benefits of milk and dairy products in a balanced diet, dairy producers in Wales remain in need of urgent support.

“In the absence of moves which ensure markets provide sufficient income for dairy farm businesses we have to ensure that support is maintained for our sectors at levels which do not compromise either family farms or rural economies.

“The decision to leave the European Union means that agriculture and domestic food production needs to be given priority during all trade negotiations with other countries and trading blocks now and post-Brexit and that most certainly is critical to the survival of the our Welsh dairy industry.

“In light of the continuing dairy crisis it is essential that robust steps are taken to ensure supermarkets and other private sector bodies support domestic dairy producers and do not act in a way which undermines our UK dairy food production or the viability of our agricultural sectors in general,” added Eifion Huws.