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.”

Once again the Caernarfonshire branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales rang the wake-up alarm bells to promote the wonderful food produced in Wales and highlight the benefits of eating a healthy breakfast during last month’s annual Farmhouse Breakfast Week (January 25 to 31). 

And as result of the generosity of all throughout the county, the branch were able to raise not just the profile of the great Welsh breakfast produce, but also raised an amazing £7,000 for charity. The money will be split between the union president’s chosen charities Ty Gobaith and Ty Hafan as well as Wales Air Ambulance and British Heart Foundation Wales. 

Seven functions were held across the county in support of the annual Farmhouse Breakfast Week campaign, which has been organised every year since 2000 by the Home Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA).  

A warm welcome and a full Welsh breakfast was prepared by Anwen Jones and Sara Evans of Lleuar Fawr, Penygroes, Anita Thomas of Ty’n Hendre, Tal-y-bont, Bangor, Annwen Williams of Hirdre Fawr, Tudweiliog, Ifora Owen of Glyn Uchaf, Tynygroes, Conwy, Rhian Jones of Cae’r Graig, Efailnewydd, Pwllheli, Eleri Roberts of Dylasau Uchaf, Padog near Betws y Coed and Anne Franz at her café in Bryncir, all supported by their neighbours and friends. 

“The theme for HGCA’s campaign ‘Shake Up Your Wake Up’ encourages us to make small changes to our morning routine to make sure you have time for breakfast every day. And it is as always down to the little things that make a huge difference to people’s lives,” said FUW Caernarfonshire county executive officer Gwynedd Watkin.  

“Having a good meal to start off the day helps the body through the rest of the day, and what better way than to eat local produce to do just that. 

“Through hosting these breakfast functions we were able to bring our community together for more than just one good cause and I thank all our staff and members and of course those who have helped to make these breakfasts such a huge success, not only for Welsh food produce but also for our wonderful charities,” added Mr Watkin. 

“I would also like to thank all the businesses that donated the food for the breakfasts for which we are extremely grateful and without which we could never have raised such a fantastic amount of money: South Caernarfon Creamery; Cotteswold Dairies; Llaeth y Llan – Village Dairy; Dafydd Wyn Jones, Butcher, Caernarfon; O G Owen, Butcher, Caernarfon; Harlech Frozen Foods, Four Crosses; Elystan Metcalf, Butcher, Llanrwst; Glasfryn Farm Shop, Four Crosses; Asda; Ieuan Edwards, Butcher, Conwy; John Williams & Son, Butcher, Llanfairfechan; Spar, Nefyn; Co-op, Llanfairfechan; Dafydd Povey, Family Butcher, Chwilog; K.E.Taylor, Butcher, Cricieth; G.Williams & Sons, Butcher, Bangor; DJ Fruit & Veg, Cricieth; Stermat, Gaerwen; A.L. Williams, Butcher, Edern; Siop Min y Nant, Caernarfon; Ian Jones Wyau Penygroes; Popty’r Foel, Llanllyfni; Llechwedd Meats, Llangefni; Ann Williams, Bryn Teg, Tudweiliog; Gwen Jones, Ty’n Rhos, Tudweiliog; Tudweiliog Post Office; Morfa Nefyn Garage; Moch Ll?n, Penarfynydd, Y Rhiw; Bryn Jones, Cig Ceirion Butcher, Sarn; G&S Supplies, Dinas; Oinc Oink, Llithfaen; Wyau Plas, Llwyndyrus; Becws Glanrhyd Bakery, Llanaelhearn; AF Blakemore, Bangor; Tesco; Morrisons; Welsh Lady, Four Crosses; Wyau Ochr Cefn Isaf Eggs, Ysbyty Ifan; Belmot, Llanddoged; Popty Tandderwen, Betws y Coed; L & R.O Jones Butcher, Llanrwst; Bookers Cash & Carry, Llandudno Junction; Ceri Owen, T? Mawr, Bryngwran; Dei Hughes, Pencraig Uchaf, Betws y Coed; Islyn Bakery, Aberdaron; Popty Pen Uchaf, Ysbyty Ifan; Popty Lleuar, Penygroes and Emyr Evans Tractors” added Mr Watkin.

[caption id="attachment_4673" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Ifora Owen (red striped apron) with her team of Ruth, Margaret, Eleri, Mair and Margaret.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4674" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Anwen Jones, Sara Evans, Elliw Evans, Gwenda Evans and Bethan Lloyd Jones hosted the Lleuar Fawr breakfast[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4675" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Anita Thomas (red apron) with Eleri, Jan and Eirwen ably assisted by Osian[/caption]

The Farmers' Union of Wales has rejected proposals to ratchet up Red Tractor Farm Assurance rules on the grounds that it would add to bureaucracy and increase costs along the whole supply chain.

A consultation issued in January by Assured Food Standards on the Red Tractor Assurance scheme proposes that cattle should only achieve farm assured status if they have spent all their lives on assured farms – under the current rules animals achieve the same status after 90 days on a Red Tractor assured farm.

However, Farmers’ Union of Wales members have rejected the proposal, saying it will increase costs for farmers throughout the supply chain without any guarantee that sufficient premiums will be returned to the industry in order to reflect those costs.

“Wales already has a world-wide reputation for producing high quality, grass fed beef, acknowledged by the PGI branding that accompanies Welsh beef into homes across the UK and beyond,” said FUW livestock wool and marts committee chairman Dafydd Roberts.

“All cattle keepers in Wales have to adhere to strict animal health and welfare and traceability rules which are not present in other countries.

“Additional costs and restrictions have been introduced this year as part of the new Common Agricultural Policy rules, so this is the worst possible time to propose yet more bureaucracy and costs for the industry,” Mr Roberts added.

The union has consistently rejected proposals for lifetime assurance, including in its 2014 consultation response to Welsh Lamb and Beef Producers Ltd, the main body responsible for farm assurance in Wales.

“The appetite for dictating more and more management practices on farm is inappropriate and an unnecessary burden on the industry. Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) cost of production figures highlight that even the top third of beef producers are struggling to cover their costs.  Lifetime assurance would add to these costs without any guarantee of improved returns from the marketplace,” added Mr Roberts.