Figures released today by the Welsh Government predicting dramatic falls in farm incomes this financial year highlight the need for a greater emphasis on improving farm incomes under the 2014-2020 Rural Development Plan.

“Forecasts of Farm Incomes in Wales 2014-15” published today (February 26) by the Welsh Government’s statistics and research division predicts a 24% drop in farm business income for all Welsh farms, down from £29,300 in 2013-14 to £22,200 in 2014-15. Average farm business income on hill livestock farms is forecast to decrease by 22 per cent from £19,200 in 2013-14 to £15,000 in 2014-15, while the equivalent figures for lowland livestock and dairy farms is expected to be -19% and -23% respectively.

The report attributes the falls in incomes to reductions in what farmers receive for their produce and reductions in the value of the Single Farm Payment.

FUW President Emyr Jones said: “The combined impact of reduced farmgate prices, the Welsh Government’s 15% Pillar Transfer, a reduced CAP budget and a Single Payment exchange rate of £0.7773/€1 has had a catastrophic impact on farm incomes.

“The fact that sterling is continuing to strengthen against the Euro means there is ongoing pressure on prices, with the situation in relation to Greece not helping.”

Mr Jones said that the Union’s vociferous objection to the reduction of direct farm payments by 15% (the ‘15% pillar transfer’) was well publicised, but the decision could not now be overturned.

“We cannot control the exchange rate, and despite our fierce lobbying against it, the decision to transfer 15% has been made. The only area where there is flexibility to act is in terms of ensuring Rural Development funds are directed at bringing farm incomes back up, and not squandered.”

Mr Jones said that further changes to direct payment rates which would be decided upon over the coming months would also add to uncertainty and disruption for the industry, and would inevitably put further downwards pressure on many farm incomes.

“The figures announced today should come as a wake-up call to all those within Welsh Government who have not yet recognised the need for an RDP which is totally focussed on boosting the efficiency and profitability of farms.”

[caption id="attachment_4989" align="aligncenter" width="300"] At the pumphouse with (from left) Lord Elis-Thomas, FUW president Emyr Jones and Tegwyn Jones.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4988" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A presidential line up (from left) Gareth Vaughan with FUW president Emyr Jones and Bob Parry.[/caption]

Two former presidents of the Farmers’ Union of Wales - Bob Parry and Gareth Vaughan- have been advanced to fellows of the Royal Agricultural Societies (RAS) for their continued contribution to the agricultural and rural industries in Wales.                      

“It is with great delight that we have received news that two of our former presidents will receive the honour of being advanced fellows of the RAS. I congratulate them whole heartedly and cannot thank them enough for all the sterling work they have done not just for the union but agriculture as a whole,” said FUW president Emyr Jones.

Mr Parry of Bryngwran, Holyhead, was made an associate in 2004 following his submission entitled “My role in Welsh agriculture”. 

He played an influential role in shaping Welsh agriculture within the FUW as livestock committee chairman, deputy president and president - a role he held for 12 years.

His knowledge and expertise helped with many decisions and discussions including compensation for farmers as a result of the Chernobyl fallout, live exports, the CAP reform, promoting Welsh lamb internationally and the setting up of the Beef Promotion Council.

Mr Parry continues to make an outstanding contribution to his community in his role as county councillor.

Mr Vaughan of Dolfor, near Newtown, was made an associate in 2009 following his submission “Investing in the future”. 

During his role as FUW president he travelled far and wide representing fellow farmers and his contribution to the Welsh farming community was recognised by the Queen in the 2011 New Years Honours list.

Since his retirement from the FUW Mr Vaughan has remained extremely active in the industry - sitting on committees, chairing FWAG Cymru and supporting charities.

The Welsh national panel and national moderators panel of the RAS council of awards approved the advancement of seven other industry personalities, all made associates in 2009, by also granting them the coveted title of Fellowship of the Royal Agricultural Societies (FRAgS).

FUW member Tegwyn Jones of Mallwyd, Machynlleth, who has also advanced to fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies, was made an associate following his submission “Farming conservation and energy production”,” added Mr Jones.

“Tegwyn can certainly be considered an enterprising and successful farmer and needs to be congratulated warmly on his achievement,” said Emyr Jones.

By exploring new ways to utilise the family hill farm, Mr Jones has expanded his farming enterprises to encompass and make full use of the available natural resources, which now include two very successful hydro-electric schemes.

To share his knowledge and innovative skills and determination to be successful, Mr Jones has hosted many farm visits and undertaken numerous talks to farming organisations and training groups where he encourages others to ‘think outside the box’.

“I would also like to congratulate Edwin Hughes of Cornist Ganol Farm, Flint, Meurig James, of Whitland, Peredur Hughes of Llanddeusant, Holyhead, David Jones, of Machynlleth, Robert Alwyn Rees of Pennal, Machynlleth and John T Davies of Eglwyswrw, Pembrokeshire on their honours,” added Mr Jones.

All nine fellows will be officially presented with their certificates at a reception held on the Tuesday evening of this year’s Royal Welsh Show.

A Welsh organic arable and dairy farmer and a sugar farmer from Malawi will compare their different experiences of trying to achieve a fair price for their produce on a visit to a Ceredigion farm on Friday (March 6).

Farmers’ Union of Wales Ceredigion county chairman Aled Rees will welcome Allan Saidi who has been a sugar cane farmer for ten years in Malawi, to his 150-acre organic dairy farm at Trefere Fawr, Penparc Cardigan. The family farm a further 700 acres of organic beef, sheep and arable along with the dairy unit. They will be joined by the deputy minister for farming and food, Rebecca Evans AM.

The FUW and Fair Trade Wales formally teamed up to promote fair prices for food producers in Wales and throughout the developing world at the 2008 Royal Welsh Winter Fair – shortly after Wales was officially declared the first ever Fair Trade Nation.

“The FUW firmly believes that a Welsh dairy farmer who wants a fair price for his milk in the market should want to see sugar farmers like Allan get a fair price too. The two principles should have equal priority worldwide.

“We strongly support the efforts of efficient small farmers who are producing food in a sustainable manner,” he added.

Deputy minister for farming and food, Rebecca Evans said: “Becoming the first Fair Trade Nation was a huge moment for Wales and showed the world that we are an outward-looking, compassionate nation which cares about ensuring farmers and food producers receive a fair deal.  We are committed to supporting better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers, and this is leading to improved living standards for individuals and families while also helping to protect the environment.”

Mr Saidi is also secretary of the Fairtrade Premium Committee – the elected committee which manages projects chosen by Kasinthula Cane Growers’ Association (KCGA) members and funded by the Fairtrade Premium and is also responsible for monitoring Fairtrade projects and updating farmers with progress reports as well as writing minutes, keeping records and ensuring farmers are aware of the requirements of Fairtrade Standards.

“Malawi’s sugar sector is vital for the country’s economy – in 2013 sugar exports were worth $114m, making it the second most important export commodity after tobacco. Sugar is grown as a mono-crop and is generally the main source of income for smallholder producers, who also grow food crops and keep livestock. Agriculture provides a livelihood for over 85 percent of the population, of which around 90 percent are smallholders," said Mr Saidi.

“KCG is a smallholder sugar cane project located in an inhospitable region of southern Malawi. Long droughts occasionally result in famine, and the twice-yearly rains often bring floods – in January 2015 many farmers were affected by Malawi’s worst floods for fifty years that killed several hundred people, displaced thousands more and caused extensive damage to crops, livestock and infrastructure.

“Literacy levels are low and poverty is widespread in the region. Most people live in basic mud huts with thatched roofs and few can afford to keep livestock. Families eke out a living growing maize, cassava or rice, while others earn cash from sugar cane or cotton, or by labouring on nearby sugar plantations. Other challenges faced by farming communities include high input costs, poor rural infrastructure, inadequate health facilities, and a lack of agricultural extension services and appropriate technology,” added Mr Saidi.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales Meirionnydd branch is inviting members and friends of the union to join a lively discussion with representatives of the political parties in at a special meeting held at Dolgellau at the end of February.

The event will be held at the Ship Hotel, Dolgellau on Friday February 27 and will commence at 7.30pm, with all candidates in the Meirion Dwyfor constituency up for the General Election on May 7 present.

Attending the meeting will be Plaid Cymru candidate Liz Saville Roberts, Conservative candidate Neil Fairlamb, Labour candidate Mary Griffiths Clarke, Liberal Democrats candidate Steve Churchman, UKIP candidate Chris Gillibrand and Independent candidate Louise Hughes.

“The meeting will be open to anyone within the constituency and provide an opportunity to raise questions or comments to the election candidates. We look forward to welcoming you all to this event,” said FUW Meirionnydd county executive officer Huw Jones.

Further details can be obtained by contacting Huw Jones on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or  07974 795 778.

[caption id="attachment_4920" align="aligncenter" width="300"] from left to right: FUW Montgomeryshire county chairman Mark Williams, NFU county chairman Jonathan Wilkinson, William Hague MP, Glyn Davies MP, FUW Montgomeryshire county executive officer Susan Jones and FUW land use and parliamentary committee delegate Brian Jones.[/caption]

Farming representatives from the Farmers’ Union of Wales Montgomeryshire branch met with top level politicians when they visited Welshpool Livestock Sales on Monday February 16.

Members questioned William Hague MP, who recently bought Cyfronydd Hall and was paying a visit to the area, Glyn Davies MP and Russell George AM on a variety of topics during their visit.

One issue raised with Mr Hague was the importance of the European CAP to rural areas such as Montgomeryshire and how the uncertainty caused by the referendum would impact on an industry that had already suffered from volatile market prices.

“We were pleased to highlight the point that whilst the beef sector has improved slightly, lamb prices have been poor in 2014 and the current difficulties experienced by the dairy sector highlight the importance of granting more powers to the supermarket ombudsman,” said FUW Montgomeryshire county chairman Mark Williams.

“Most dairy farmers sell to a processor and not direct to a supermarket so they are not covered by the ombudsman remit, which is limited to direct suppliers only. As a union we were pleased to further stress that the eradication of Bovine TB is a major concern for the industry and that there are many problems caused by differing TB testing regimes operating in England and Wales. In Wales, all herds are tested on an annual testing regime while England continues with risk based TB testing, which can see cattle tested on a four-yearly basis. Ultimately, we made it clear that this was causing trading issues,” added Mr Williams.

There was also a strong call from all the representatives present to support the Young Farmers movement in Wales after news of the severe funding cuts imposed on the organisation.

“Through the Young Farmers clubs activities in education, training, charity and social skills many young people have benefited from the confidence these activities gave them and we were pleased to also raise this issue with Mr Hague. This meeting was a wonderful opportunity to put our present and future concerns regarding the farming industry to Mr Hague and welcomed his move to Montgomeryshire,” added Mr Williams.

[caption id="attachment_4680" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] (from left) FUW Meirionnydd county branch president, Robert Wyn Evans, Welsh Government director of agriculture, food and marine, Andrew Slade, shadow minister for sustainable communities for Plaid Cymru, Llyr Huws Gruffydd AM and Hafod y Llan, Nant Gwynant farm manager and former FUW director of policy Arwyn Owen.[/caption]

Meirionnydd members of the Farmers’ Union of Wales discussed the current state of the agricultural industry and its future direction at the recent county annual general meeting (January 30) at Clwb Rygbi, Dolgellau. 

The meeting was chaired by FUW Meirionnydd county branch president, Robert Wyn Evans and speakers for the evening included shadow minister for sustainable communities for Plaid Cymru, Llyr Huws Gruffydd AM, Welsh Government director of agriculture, food and marine, Andrew Slade and Hafod y Llan, Nant Gwynant farm manager and former FUW director of policy Arwyn Owen. 

FUW county executive officer Huw Jones, who gave a short report of the branch’s activities during 2014 at the start of the meeting, said: “Once again we have had a strong representation of members from all parts of the county. The meeting was an ideal opportunity to consider the future of the industry in the short and medium term.  

“Amongst the many subjects we discussed was the outcome of the Moorland Judicial Review in the context of the Basic Payment Scheme, and the current modelling work undertaken in preparation for future payment methods. We discussed the possibility of an extended transition period, and also the possibility of a tiered system of payments.”