The Farmers’ Union of Wales today welcomed deputy farming and food minister Rebecca Evans’ announcement that Welsh TB compensation rates for compulsorily purchased cattle will continue to use the current valuation system.

Earlier this year, the FUW responded to a Welsh Government consultation on TB compensation rates in Wales by vociferously objecting to any move towards a tabular system which used average market pricing.

FUW vice president and the union’s TB spokesman Brian Walters said: “Animals placed on the market do not necessarily reflect the standards of those that remain on farm, particularly in the case of pedigree herds. Tabular values could, therefore, act as a disincentive to keeping higher value animals particularly in areas where TB is prevalent.

“Indeed the tabular system would have rewarded poorer quality animals and could have had a negative effect on the use of herd improvement technologies such as genetic and genomics.”

The retention of the current valuation system comes with some notable changes. Extra measures will be put in place to scrutinise pedigree valuations above £3,000 and there will be a cap of £15,000 for payments made on pedigree animals. There will also be a review of the use of veterinary improvement notices and penalties for risky practises.

“Using average market prices as a basis for payments would have been wholly unjust and would have inevitably reduced the amount of compensation paid to many farmers here in Wales,” added Mr Walters.

“We are, therefore, pleased that the Welsh Government has listened to our representations on this matter and that our opinions have been taken on board.

“The union will now be seeking more information on how this added scrutiny will function in practise and will be working to ensure that the increased use of veterinary improvement notices is both proportionate and appropriate.”

[caption id="attachment_1466" align="aligncenter" width="200"] FUW vice president Brian Walters[/caption]

Taking Brecon and Radnor’s agriculture, food and rural economy to the heart of the corridors of power in Westminster will be the aim of a Farmers' Union of Wales-organised function next week (Wednesday, October 22).

Between 2pm and 4pm “Brecon & Radnor Day” will take place at the Jubilee Room in the House of Commons and provide an opportunity to learn more about what the counties have to offer.

FUW Brecon and Radnor county executive officer Aled Jones said: “This is the first time that the FUW Brecon and Radnor county branch has arranged such an event with close assistance and co-operation of Brecon and Radnor MP Roger Williams.

“We look forward to sharing this exciting opportunity with local food and drink and other local businesses such as Penderyn Distillery, Radnor Wildlife Trust, Brecknock Wildlife Trust, Radnor YFC, Brecknock YFC, RWAS, Ty Mawr Lime, Brecon Brewing, Welsh Lavender, Radnor Hills Mineral Water and CLA Cymru.

"The branch would like to thank Mr Williams and his staff, both in Brecon and Radnor and London, for working with us on this project.”

"It is widely recognised that Roger Williams is a strong and loyal supporter of agriculture, food and the rural economy and his commitment and enthusiasm for this function further proves that.

“We will be serving nibbles from the Welsh Venison Centre and Morgans Butchers, a selection of gluten free cakes and savouries and loads of home-made Welsh cakes,” added Mr Jones.

A brochure of all those businesses and organisations attending Brecon and Radnor Day will be given to MPs and House of Lords peers attending the function.

It is an event that aims to celebrate the innovative and modern rural economy of Brecon and Radnor at Westminster which will provide an even stronger platform for a bright economic future to the area.

Delegates at the Farmers’ Union of Wales autumn conference heard how a new ‘Joint opportunities platform’ could pave the way for successful joint farming agreements in the future.

Speaking after the conference yesterday (October 15), FUW president Emyr Jones, said: “It is clear that there needs to be an industry wide approach to explore and promote the opportunities for joint ventures.

“Our speakers gave us a comprehensive overview of the issues that need to be addressed and we hope that the recommendations made by MalcolFUWm Thomas, who undertook a review of the young entrants support scheme (YESS) and wider its wider implications, will be implemented as soon as possible.”

“A new Joint Opportunities Platform must be established to identify and match those farmers and landowners seeking to enter into a contract or share farming arrangement with those new entrants seeking a route into the industry,” Malcolm Thomas told conference delegates.

“The Platform would require the involvement of the wider industry and would encompass training, information and mentoring services. I recommend that this work, co-ordinated by the Welsh government, begins immediately and involves the farming unions, RWAS, RICS, CAAV, accountants, solicitors and YFC with a view to completing the work by spring 2015,” added Mr Thomas.

“The Malcolm Thomas report highlights the positive action Welsh government and industry needs to take in order to progress and move the industry forward.

“To date the report has not been published although it was clear from the cross industry support from conference delegates that the recommendations should be adopted by Welsh government.

“The Rural Development Plan 2014-2020, has the potential to deliver a whole range of initiatives which could facilitate the promotion and support of succession and joint ventures and it is vital that we have a coherent plan to take this forward,” added Mr Jones.

All successful businesses have a common ingredient and that is the flow of new blood, new ideas and new experience said Mr Jones and we need swift progress on the whole subject of succession if the industry is to address the challenges of food security in the future.

[caption id="attachment_3125" align="aligncenter" width="646"] Malcolm Thomas addresses the FUW autumn conference[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3126" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Delegates at the FUW autumn conference[/caption]

Delegates attending this year’s Farmers’ Union of Wales autumn conference, heard that for joint ventures to work, there has to be trust and mutual benefit in the partnership.

The conference, entitled  ‘Joint ventures in farming – myth breaking and match making’ was held at the William Davies Conference Hall, IBERS, Aberystwyth, and attended by over a hundred delegates of all ages, who enjoyed a variety of presentations and workshops aimed at shedding  light on the complexities of succession planning.

“In a bid to explore all aspects of succession planning we knew we had to invite a number of expert speakers to cover all aspects of  succession planning and joint ventures,” explained the union’s younger voice for farming committee chairman Darren Williams.

The conference, chaired by Professor Wyn Jones, included talks by Duncan Montgomery of Whittingham Riddell chartered accountants on the subject of tax and financial planning, Euryn Jones of HSBC bank who explained joint venture planning  from the Banks’ point of view, Nerys Llewelyn Jones of Agri-Advisor who examined  the range of ventures and legal aspects of succession, Malcolm Thomas of JCP Solicitors who outlined his recommendations to Government from his review of the Young Entrants Support scheme and Tony Evans of The Andersons Centre spoke of his experiences facilitating joint venture farming contracts.

“To complement the speakers we also held a number of workshops facilitated by Kathryn Lewis and James Neame of Davis Meade Property Consultants on succession planning and the practicalities, Charles Coats of Charles Coats Associates Ltd looked at opportunities for succession on local authority estates, Gail Lewis of Agri-Advisor explored the range of available opportunities in joint venture farming and Tony Evans of The Andersons Centre hosted a session on how to make the best possible match.

“This conference put the spotlight on succession, which is often a taboo subjects for farming families. There are plenty of young enthusiastic people who wish to enter the industry and we know that there are those looking at the future of their farms whilst not necessarily wanting to relinquish everything. I hope that we have managed to clear up  some of the myths and preconceptions about joint venture farming and started a process which will help those who have not yet planned their future and who may be interested in more information on the options available to them,” added Mr Williams.

“The conference was a means of kick starting a series of actions and events the union will facilitate to encourage farmers to look at ways in which their land will be farmed in the future, whilst offering them security and access to support. We also look forward to working with wider industry to push for a strategic approach on the way forward,” said FUW deputy director of policy Rhian Nowell-Phillips.

“Delegates heard that six out of ten people don’t have a Will in place and this is a worrying statistic for an industry who holds land in trust for the next generation, other feedback from the workshops suggest that farmers are also worried about security, trust and what will happen to them once they decide to hand over the reins.

“The FUW through its younger voice for farming committee is committed to helping farmers address the concerns expressed during the conference and we hope that the ideas generated will help facilitate a greater understanding of the opportunities available to farmers of all ages through a joint venture approach,” added Ms Nowell-Phillips.

[caption id="attachment_3118" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The FUW autumn conference speakers shed light on succession planning and joint venture farming. (from left to right) Conference chairman Professor Wynne Jones, Tony Evans of The Andersons Centre, Euryn Jones of HSBC, FUW president Emyr Jones, Duncan Montgomery of Whittingham Riddell, Malcolm Thomas of JCP Solicitors and Dr Nerys Llewelyn Jones of Agri-Advisor.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3119" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Delegates participating in a workshop with Kathryn Lewis and James Neame of Davis Meade Property Consultants on succession planning and the practicalities[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3120" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] FUW’s Darren Williams (left) assists Tony Evans of The Andersons Centre during a workshop on how to make the best possible match at the FUW autumn conference.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3121" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] FUW autumn conference delegates enjoying a variety of workshops[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3122" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] FUW autumn conference delegates enjoying a variety of workshops[/caption]

The Farmers’ Union of Wales will be holding a farmers’ Thanksgiving ‘Gymanfa Ganu’ on Sunday October 26 at the Seion Chapel Aberystwyth in an effort to raise money for children’s hospices T? Hafan and T? Gobaith, the presidents chosen charities.

The evening will be led by Iwan Parry of Dolgellau and is due to commence at  6.00pm.

“We are very fortunate that former Blue Riband winner Aled Wyn Davies of Llanbrynmair will join the service together with Aberystwyth silver band and several local choirs,” said FUW president Emyr Jones.

“Please invite members and friends in your area to join the union’s thanksgiving service next week. The chapel can accommodate up to a 1,000 people and we hope that we will be well supported from every county.

“If you are keen to support the event but are unable to attend the Gymanfa, you can still purchase a programme for £5. The money will be put towards the events fundraising total,” added Mr Jones.

For more information or if would like to order a programme, please contact the FUW Ceredigion county office on 01545 571222.

The Flintshire branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales has enjoyed an excellent turnout of members at its annual general meeting held at the Village Hall in Cilcain on the eve of Friday October 10.

Guest speakers Jill Evans MEP and FUW director of policy Dr Nick Fenwick were faced with plenty of challenging and thought-provoking questions as they provided the audience with an overview of the machinations of the European Commission and Parliament and the way policies are shaped and implemented.

Delegates also heard how EU policies are transposed into statutory regulation and subsequently into rules for various schemes on the ground within member countries respectively.

“Ms Evans gave members an insight into how the new EU Commissioners face a scrutiny session with the elected members of the Parliament when they are faced with questions as to their objectives during their term in office,” said FUW Denbighshire and Flintshire county executive officer Rhys Roberts.

Members heard that the new agriculture commissioner will be Irishman Phil Hogan, whom Ms Evans believes is someone that the agricultural community will be able to work with over the coming four years.

Dr Fenwick explained to members that although the regulations that farmers have to face on a daily basis may appear overly complicated and burdensome but that the final policy is often considerably watered down from the original proposals put forward by the EU Commission and that this was mainly due to the intense lobbying undertaken by the farming Unions and other stakeholders.

“The issue of supermarket influences on farm gate prices and also the rise of UKIP and the threat to UK membership of the EU were raised by members during a lively and interesting meeting,” added Mr Roberts.

The evening was chaired by FUW Flintshire county president Clwyd Spencer and  FUW Flintshire county chairman Tim Faire provided members with his annual report.

“The report highlighted some of the more important events over the previous 12 months within the county, including the contributions made by Flintshire to the Farmhouse Breakfast event and to the more recent charity walk along the Wales Coastal Path.

“An informative evening was capped off with some light refreshments provided by the Flintshire Ladies Committee of the FUW when those present had an opportunity to chat with the speakers face to face,” added Mr Roberts.

[caption id="attachment_3115" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Left to right – FUW director of policy Nick Fenwick, FUW Flintshire county chairman Tim Faire, FUW Flintshire county president Clwyd Spencer and Plaid Cymru MEP Jill Evans[/caption]