The Farmers’ Union of Wales has long known that the family farm is the cornerstone of our economy and culture here in Wales and as such Wales has an opportunity to be a rural economic powerhouse post Brexit.

Speaking at the FUW Press Conference on Sunday, July 17, ahead of the Royal Welsh Show, Union President Glyn Roberts said: “In these times of political uncertainty, only a few things are constant: the grass will continue to grow and it will probably rain soon!.

“So we are blessed with those strategic resources that make our industry successful.”

Much political and media attention has recently been focussed on risks to jobs and the local economy in and around the M4 corridor in south Wales - and quite rightly so, the FUW President told delegates.

“But you may be surprised to learn that there are almost as many people engaged in the milk industry in Pembrokeshire as there are people making a living in our Welsh steel industry. Yet there is a clear imbalance in political focus for supporting these two very important industries - an imbalance which also extends to all our agricultural sectors,” said Glyn Roberts.

He added that his aspiration and indeed the intention of the Farmers’ Union of Wales is to change this.

“We want to see the value and importance of the rural economy truly recognised, and to build a visible and valued Rural Powerhouse - not something that attracts industrial focus in a small geographic area, like the north-east Wales “powerhouse” built around foreign manufacturing; what is needed is recognition of the fact that 80 percent of our land mass is rural; that more than a third of Wales’ population live in rural areas; and that farming is the bedrock of our rural communities, without which vast direct and indirect contributions to Wales’ economy as a whole would disappear,” continued the Union President.

He told delegates that the Rural Powerhouse the FUW envisages will take all that is valuable in our rural economies and maximise their outputs and impact. It will recognise the interactions that exist in rural Wales, the communities that work and live together, the networks that support each other and of course the importance of rural Wales to our culture.

Glyn Roberts further stated that : “If you want a clear indication of the cultural importance of farming you need only consider this: in Ceredigion, less than 50 percent of the population now speak Welsh. But within the farming community the percentage is close to 100 percent.

“Consider also the value of the Young Farmers Clubs playing such diverse and vital roles in their communities where they also protect our culture and language so very effectively. There can be no doubt that farming holds these groups together and makes them a real force in our rural communities.”

The message from the FUW is clear - this is not just about farming; it is about the wider recognition of how Farming Matters, where supply chains are involved, how money circulates in the local economy, where people survive, where profits are made, communities are sustained and our culture continues to thrive.

Glyn Roberts, in his speech, asked: “Why is it that the supply chains, which employ millions and ultimately supply the food we eat, through our dairies, slaughterhouses and other processors don’t even appear on the radar of the National Infrastructure Commission? Why do our rural areas not attract the sort of attention and funding the M4 relief road has attracted given their direct importance to our economy, not to mention other key related industries such as tourism - and of course feeding people?”

Addressing the upcoming exit from the European Union the FUW President said: “Since June 23 we have all been immersed in a sea of political turmoil and uncertainty: we know something will happen, we know it will be big and far-reaching, but we don’t know when it will start or when it will end.

“For our part, we have made it clear since the referendum result was announced that matters should be progressed at a sensible pace, and I am pleased to have seen increasing numbers of politicians and commentators coming over to our point of view.”

Glyn Roberts asked those in power to resist the temptation to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty prematurely for a number of reasons, not least because of the vast amount of work which needs to be undertaken to repeal, or redraft the 5,500 acts relating to agriculture and the rural economy; the likely timescales over which trade agreements can be negotiated; the risk that elections in France and Germany would impact on negotiation time and the huge job of unravelling the current CAP and our commitments made under the Multi-Annual FInancial Framework.

“We know what we’ve potentially got until 2020, so let’s stick with it. Let’s maximise the return on what is planned.

“Moving at speed towards Brexit brings with it huge risks, so we certainly don’t want speed - but there is certainly a need for haste in terms of what can be done to prepare for a post-Brexit world, and provide as much clarity as possible in terms of removing confusion, uncertainty and rumour,” he said..

Staying within the Multiannual Financial Framework timescale, as favoured by the FUW, would allow precisely this according to the FUW.

“Setting out detailed expectations for life post-Brexit would of course be inappropriate at this stage, but we have already outlined key overarching priorities for Welsh agriculture to all the political parties, and as a democratic organisation we have initiated a process of consultation with members which will be moved forward at an appropriate pace.

“We are also pleased to be involved with the Welsh Government discussions to plan the future, and so we return to the issue of the creation of a Welsh rural powerhouse.

“Whatever concerns we have, the decision made on June 23, coupled with recognition of the importance of agriculture and our rural communities provides us with an opportunity to create something that is absolutely right for Wales in the near, medium and long term,” said FUW President Glyn Roberts.

We've got a great programme of events at The Royal Welsh Show this year, do come and join us:

[caption id="attachment_6580" align="alignleft" width="300"] Starting their 177 mile journey are Emyr Wyn Davies (left) and Huw Jones (right) at Prestatyn[/caption]

Farmers’ Union of Wales County Executive Officer’s Emyr Wyn Davies and Huw Jones are blazing a trail along the 177 mile long Offa’s Dyke Path in a bid to raise funds for the FUW President’s charity British Heart Foundation Cymru.

Having started their journey on Friday June 17 in Prestatyn, the enthusiastic duo have so far completed 52 miles of the 8th Century National Trail.

The trail, was opened in the summer of 1971, linking Sedbury Cliffs near Chepstow on the banks of the Severn estuary with the coastal town of Prestatyn on the shores of the Irish sea.

It passes through no less than eight different counties and crosses the border between England and Wales over 20 times.

The Offa’s Dyke trail explores the tranquil Marches,as the border region is known, and passes through the Brecon Beacons National Park on the spectacular Hatterrall Ridge.

In addition it links no less than three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the Wye Valley, the Shropshire Hills and the Clwydian Range / Dee Valley.

The first four days of their challenge had them walking from Prestatyn to Rhuallt, Rhuallt to Bodfari to Clwyd Gate, onto Trevor - Llangollen and then onto the Racecourse Common at Oswestry.

Speaking about the challenge, FUW Meirionnydd County Executive Officer Huw Jones said: “I am very keen to support the charity, and this is a task that I had wanted to do for some time. Now the opportunity has come to combine the both and I must say that it is an extremely interesting walk.

“We have met many people along the way and I love learning about the local history and enjoy the spectacular views. The path frequently follows the impressive Offa’s Dyke itself.

“This amazing hand-dug bank and ditch was built in the 8th century by command of King Offa of the ancient Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia.

“It was probably intended to divide Mercia from rival kingdoms in what is now Wales, and some sections still form the England/Wales border today.

“I would like to thank those who have helped us along the way so far and I now look forward to completing the rest of the path and joining our friends at the National Eisteddfod.”

[caption id="attachment_6583" align="alignleft" width="300"] Emyr is excited to join the fight against heart disease[/caption]

But as with all challenges of this scale, every team needs support. Providing just that was John Price of Clawddnewydd, Ruthin, who helped Huw and Emyr with transporting their bags on the first leg of their challenge.

[caption id="attachment_6581" align="alignright" width="169"] Emyr and Huw were joined by FUW Dolgellau office Admin assistant Ffion Edwards and FWAG Cymru’s Glenda Thomas for a stretch of the walk[/caption]

“Raising money for the British Heart Foundation in my opinion is for a very good cause. I received surgery in April 2011 after being diagnosed by a locum doctor in September 2010 with a leaking aortic heart valve,” explains John Price, whose wife Alwena works part time in the FUW’s Ruthin office.

The results of the ECG test revealed that he had a tricuspid Aortic Valve and it was established that this was a hereditary problem.

“My father suffered the same problem and had an operation in the early 1980’s and in April 2011 I underwent the 8 hour operation to replace my aortic valve, repair to the heart wall and repair to the root of the valve at Broadgreen Hospital Liverpool.

“All the money raised by the British Heart Foundation for new research will benefit many people in the future as everyone has been affected by heart problems be it family or friends.

“I cannot praise the British Heart Foundation enough as it has given me a new lease of life and I wish Emyr and Huw all the very best of luck and stamina to complete this fantastic challenge,” he added.

Emyr and Huw are tackling the remaining 125 miles on Monday July 25, when they will re-start their walk from Llanymynech to Forden.

Hoping to finish at Sedbury Cliffs on Sunday July 31, they will walk via Knighton, Hay on Wye, Pandy and Monmouth.

“I fancied a challenge,” says Emyr Wyn Davies, who joined the FUW as the County Executive Officer for Montgomeryshire last year.

“The Clwydian Range section has been the most intense so far but it is for such a great cause that all the sweat is well worth it.”

“Did you know that if you walk entire route from south to north there is about 28,000ft of ascent, which is the same as the height of Everest?,” Emyr laughs.

“I am really excited to join in the fight against heart disease and hope that we will not just raise money for BHF Cymru but also raise awareness of how much of a problem heart disease is across Wales and the whole of the UK.”

[caption id="attachment_6582" align="alignleft" width="300"] Up another hill - the group tackling the Clwydian Range[/caption]

Following in the footsteps of Emyr and Huw will be FUW Caernarfon County Executive Officer Gwynedd Watkin and a team of fellow fundraisers, who are starting their walk at the end of July.

FUW President Glyn Roberts is also throwing his enthusiasm and support behind the challenge, saying: “I must thank our staff and friends of the Union for their continued support in our fundraising efforts - we could not raise as much money for our charitable causes without your dedication and tenacity.

“I am pleased to say that Huw and Emyr have already raised over £500 with this walk - so if anybody still wants to sponsor them, please contact our head office on 01970 820820 or the respective FUW county offices - Newtown on 01686 626889 and Dolgellau on 01341 422298.

“I wish the team of walkers all the best of luck for the rest of their challenge and look forward to welcoming them to the FUW stand at the National Eisteddfod on Monday August 1.”

Exclusive tickets for a prime viewing location on the Farmers’ Union of Wales’ pavilion balcony alongside the main ring at Llanelwedd will be sold in a bid to raise vital funds for the British Heart Foundation Cymru on the Wednesday afternoon of the Royal Welsh Show.

FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “We are offering exclusive access for a number of people to enjoy some Pimms on our balcony on Wednesday July 20 between 2.30pm and 5pm to watch the Senior Welsh Cob Stallions, which is generally the highlight of the main ring events during the show.”

Tickets for this exclusive occasion can be purchased on a first-come first-served basis from the FUW head office in Aberystwyth and will cost £20 a ticket. All proceeds raised will go towards BHF Cymru.

“We announced our charitable cause at the National Eisteddfod last year and have since then held a variety of events including farmhouse breakfast functions, a Christmas card design competition, and bingo evenings. This function is another push to raise some more money for this deserving charity.

“We are very excited to once again join in the fight against heart disease and hope the event will not just raise money for BHF Cymru but also raise awareness of how much of a problem heart disease is across Wales and the whole of the UK.

“Heart and circulatory disease takes the lives of more than 400 people in the UK each day. We hope that those participating will have a cracking good time whilst raising money to beat heart disease.

“The money that is raised goes to help fund life-transforming treatments, support pioneering research, and help care for people.

“Last year we presented T? Hafan and T? Gobaith with a cheque of £50,000 and hope that this fundraising term will be as successful,” added Mr Roberts.

For more information about the Union’s fundraising activities and to buy a ticket for the Wednesday afternoon contact the FUW’s head office on 01970 820820.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales welcomed the opportunity to take part in a wide-ranging round table discussion about the future of agriculture and the rural economy in Wales post Brexit.

The meeting which took place in Cardiff on Monday (July 4) was the first “stakeholder engagement meeting” held by the Welsh Government outlining the priority that has to be given to the challenges of exiting the environment, agriculture and rural affairs portfolios.

It was chaired by Lesley Griffiths the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and  Rural Affairs   and First Minister Carwyn Jones was present for much of the meeting.

“The situation is challenging but also a great opportunity,” said Glyn Roberts, the Union’s President.

“We’ve got a chance now to focus on creating a completely new and far more suitable way of managing and supporting agriculture here in Wales. We have to embrace this opportunity and work together to achieve the best possible outcome, one that recognises that farming matters.

“But we must never forget the importance of the family farm in the Welsh way of life, nor the importance of agriculture to the wider rural economy.”

Earlier in the day the Union had held its first internal meeting of County Chairmen and Standing Committee Chairmen, since the referendum, to discuss the challenges and also the Union’s response.

“There were very clear messages from the meeting,” said Mr Roberts.

“Many farmers are worried about the state and commitment to existing contracts and we must gain clarity for them. It was good to have the opportunity to raise these issues with the Cabinet Secretary, Lesley Griffiths and to ask for Welsh Government clarifications, which we hope to receive in the next day or two.”

“The feedback from our Members this morning was also positive,” added Mr Roberts.

“I get the impression that everyone has accepted that we are where we are, and must engage proactively and enthusiastically in order to prepare a better future.

“We know that it is currently very difficult to outline a clear plan, not least because of the rapidly changing political landscape in Westminster, but we will work closely with the Welsh Government, other member organisations and departments and also Government in London to get the best result for Wales. This will take time but we are pleased to be involved from the outset.”

The widespread uncertainty facing Welsh agriculture and the rural economy, and how agriculture might best be supported following an exit from the European Union, were key topics of discussion during a meeting of Farmers’ Union of Wales standing committee and county branch chairmen today.

The meeting took place ahead of a meeting with Welsh Ministers Carwyn Jones and Lesley Griffiths.

During the meeting, members emphasised the need for a reasonable timetable for negotiations and a smooth transition for the country was supported. Members also emphasised that a fair and sustainable future for Wales and its rural economy and agriculture could only be secured if farm incomes improved.

FUW President Glyn Roberts, who chaired the meeting, said "There were a wider range of questions, from the impact Brexit could have on our TB eradication programme and our exports, to the impact Brexit could have on devolution and the Barnett Formula.

"There was general agreement that the Brexit timetable would make far more sense if aligned with the EU budgetary period which ends in 2020, since the work associated with negotiations, discussions, and legislative changes during an exit process is unprecedented."

Mr Roberts said that, having been involved in the CAP negotiations with Welsh Government and the EU from 2008 onwards, and having witnessed first hand the problems caused by having to accelerated negotiations over a short period, the Union was well aware of the problems which could follow a hasty Brexit.

Mr Roberts said that the meeting was the first of many which would take place with members over the coming weeks, months and years, in order to ensure that the needs of agriculture and rural economies were met during the forthcoming negotiations and beyond.