North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Winston Roddick will visit the Farmers' Union of Wales stand during next week's Merioneth County Show (Wednesday August 28) at Bala to meet farmers and people from rural areas to discuss the force's new rural crime plan.

Mr Roddick will be on the union's stand from 1pm together with Dewi Evans, one of the rural crime officers recently appointed for Gwynedd and Anglesey.

Tackling rural crime was one of the first pledges Mr Roddick made after his election last November and since then North Wales Police has developed an action plan to address the types of crime affecting rural areas. It is the first force in Wales, and one of a few throughout the UK, to launch such a plan.

Mr Roddick said: “I have a duty to listen to the views of people in north Wales and to represent those views when setting the strategic direction for the police.

"During the election period I spoke to many hundreds of people and was told time and time again by people living in rural and often isolated areas that they are becoming increasingly worried about crime in their communities.

"I spoke to several farmers who have experienced some form of rural crime, including theft of equipment, fuel, scrap metal and animals. Through the Rural Crime Plan, the police will focus on further reducing and preventing crime and making people feel safer both at home and in public places.”

One of the key features of the North Wales Rural Crime Plan is a brand new team of seven PCSOs and three police officers dedicated to dealing with rural crime.

FUW Meirionnydd county executive officer Huw Jones said the union welcomed the introduction of the rural crime plan. "Our members are very glad of the opportunity to put their views forward to the Commissioner and we are delighted that our voices are being heard.

"Investment in tackling rural crime will be a great boost for the farming economy and will enhance the safety of rural and isolated communities.”

Mr Jones said, just like last year, the union will have a larger marquee to cope with increasing number of members visiting the stand. "Once again a warm welcome is awaiting members and friends of the FUW and numerous associations and bodies who work closely with us. 

"The union's ladies section for the Dolgellau areas - which include Dinas Mawddwy, Trawsfynydd and Gellilydan areas - have been busy preparing refreshments for the hundreds who will attend."

There will be ample opportunity to discuss the Glastir agri-environment scheme and the latest developments with FWAG Cymru Wales director Glenda Thomas who will be on the stand between 10.30am and 12.30pm to assist members.

Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Elfyn Llwyd will attend at noon and the constituency's AM and chairman of the Assembly's environment and sustainability committee Dafydd Elis Thomas at 2pm. Meirionnydd RABI branch will also be represented on the stand.

David Foode of E-On Energy will be present throughout the day to highlight the FUW partnership with the company to offer reduced rates for electricity supply.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) catchment co-ordinator Nicola Edwards will be present to help members register Agricultural Waste Exemptions which must be done before the October 1 deadline and between noon and 2pm NRW's Dafydd Rees Roberts will discuss any issues relating to the Internal Drainage Districts in Meirionnydd.

Representatives of Davis Meade Property Consultants will also be on the stand to discuss issues such as rent reviews, compensation claims and farm renewable energy options.

Pembrokeshire farm construction businessman Richard Blethyn’s excellent work ethos and commitment to employing local people has helped him reap this year's Farmers' Union of Wales Pembrokeshire branch's Countryside Business Award.

The award is presented to an individual 40 years of age or under who has developed their own rural-based business and who is or has been actively involved with Pembrokeshire YFC either as a member, past member, club leader or trainer.

Mr Blethyn, 36, of Gelli, Hebron, Whitland, had spent 10 years working for a firm repairing agricultural machinery and tractors when he recognised an opportunity to start his own business venture in farm construction and set up R B Farm Services.

Starting in 2002, carrying out small projects on local farms, he soon gained a good reputation and grew the business.  He now undertakes small and major farm developments all over Pembrokeshire and has now grown a vast customer base.

Together with his wife Kim, who runs the office, and five full-time and some seasonal staff, he specialises in all aspects of construction on farms, with the main focus being on the dairy sector.

The company builds silage pits, slurry pits and all types of livestock housing, from cubicle sheds to loose housing, as well as storage buildings.

“We also take on large scale dairy parlours including rotary design, some of which are the biggest of their type in Europe,” said Mr Blethyn.

“As a businessman I recognise the need for both larger and smaller farms alike to thrive as they are both crucial for my business to succeed. I hope for continued success in the development of my business to provide work for my own family in the future and for all current workers, sub-contractors and the local businesses which we use, all of which rely on successful farmers who are often overlooked,” added Mr Blethyn.

He joined Clynderwen YFC at the age of 14 and competed in junior stock judging, gaining awards individually and in team competitions and taking particular interest in beef breeds.

He also competed and enjoyed taking part in drama competitions and represented Pembrokeshire at the Royal Welsh Show in Welsh Black stock judging.

As a senior member he held posts such as chairman, vice chairman and treasurer, and also represented the county in mime, music, and forestry competitions and the converted fencing competition at the Royal Welsh Show.

“I am a very proud past member of Clynderwen YFC always ready to give back to the club when they need assistance as the YFC movement has given me a big step forward in my professional life, giving me great people skills and the get up and go to succeed,” he added.

The judges, Pembrokeshire show president Michael Davies, Barclays Bank agricultural manager John Jones and FUW land use and parliamentary committee delegate Dafydd Williams, were extremely impressed by the high standard of shortlisted candidates and had a very difficult time trying to decide the winner.

“We were looking for entries from a wide range of people including those who are farming in their own right, those who are providing a service to the agricultural sector or those who have started a rural-based business such as cake making, electrical services, crafts or music teaching - the list is endless,” said Mr Williams.

“In presenting this award we hope to highlight the fantastic work which young people are doing to keep the rural areas of Pembrokeshire vibrant and economically active places,” he added.

“We found it extremely encouraging that all of the candidates were providing employment opportunities for other young people in their locality, which has enormous economic benefits for rural areas,” said Mr Williams.

“Whilst all of the candidates had successful growing businesses the one thing which really set Richard apart and really impressed us was his work ethos which he also instilled in all his employees.

“He has ensured that he has a good work life balance, so that despite working hard in developing his still fairly new business, he also ensures that he spends time with his young family.

“Richard also ensures that his employees have quality time to spend with their families which we felt was crucial to the success of any business, but also quite rare in the agricultural industry,” added Mr Williams.

The Farmers' Union of Wales stand at Denbigh & Flint County Show on Thursday (August 15) will provide county officials and members the opportunity to meet and question the new North Wales police commissioner and the ministers responsible for agriculture in the Welsh and UK governments.

At lunchtime police commissioner Winston Roddick will call at the stand with the two new rural police officers for the Denbighshire and Flintshire areas to answer questions on the force's new rural policing initiative.

During the afternoon secretary of state for Wales David Jones will visit the stand with secretary of state for the environment, food and rural affairs Owen Paterson.

And at around 2.45pm natural resources and food minister Alun Davies will attend the stand to meet county officials and members, together with members of the union’s presidential team, to discuss topical issues including the consultation on implementation of CAP reform in Wales.

FUW staff will be on the stand throughout the day to highlight the upcoming deadline for farmers to renew their waste exemptions.

The new system of certification requires applicants to update their existing certificates, or to apply for the first time, before the deadline at the end of September.

Davis Meade Property Consultants and E.ON representatives will also be present to offer advice on a wide range of issues. E.ON representatives will also provide information about an energy cost savings initiative for FUW members.

FUW county executive officer Rhys Roberts said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming our distinguished guests to the stand to discuss important issues such as rural policing and CAP reform over a cup of tea.”

Members and officials of the Farmers’ Union of Wales met Welsh Government minister for natural resources and food Alun Davies on three Meirionnydd farms to discuss the current state of farming in the uplands and the difficulties and challenges ahead.

The minister met FUW vice president Richard Vaughan at Pall Mall Farm, Tywyn, to discuss the future direction of the industry, the current consultation on direct payments under the CAP Reform and particular reference was given to the Glastir applications.

Pall Mall extends to approximately 50 acres and the family has successfully diversified and established  a caravan site with 100 pitches for static and touring caravans. The majority of the farm land is upland, extending to 500 acres at Rhydymain near Dolgellau.

Richard Vaughan keeps a flock of 700 Welsh mountain sheep together with 150 ewe lamb replacements.

The delegation, as well as local FUW members, then visited Berwyn and Helen Roberts, National Trust tenant farmers at Dolobran farm, Dinas Mawddwy. Dolobran extends to 350 acres of mainly hill and mountain land.

Mr  Roberts was a new entrant into farming in 2008 when he successfully obtained Dolobran. Members had the chance to express their concerns regarding the losses experienced during the inclement weather in the spring, the enormous increase in feeding costs and the effect on their businesses.

The day concluded with a visit to Talglannau, Mallwyd, farmed by Tegwyn Jones, his wife Catrin and sons Guto and Huw.

The minister was shown the powerhouse of one of their hydroelectric schemes and Tegwyn explained how his  diversification into hydroelectric generation brings extra income to the farm and enables Guto and Huw to gain employment from the farm holding.

Tegwyn built a 93kw hydroelectric scheme in 2001 which generates enough electricity for 70 homes and in 2011 completed a 100kw scheme which generates electricity for 90 homes. They are now planning another smaller 28kw facility.

After the visits FUW president Emyr Jones said: “I would like to thank the minister for meeting us today and giving our members the chance to express their views.

“We have had some good discussion on many subjects and the opportunity for dialogue was very much appreciated.”

[caption id="attachment_2556" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Minister Alun Davies with FUW county executive officer Huw Jones, FUW Meirionnydd county chairman O G Thomas, FUW Meirionnydd county president D T Ellis and FUW vice president Richard Vaughan[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2557" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Minister Alun Davies with Berwyn Roberts, Dolobran, Dinas Mawddwy, and FUW president Emyr Jones.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2558" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Tegwyn Jones, Talglannau, Mallwyd, with sons Guto and Huw and minister Alun Davies at the powerhouse[/caption]

The Farmers' Union of Wales will highlight the importance of EU funding to the Welsh farming community and rural economy during the National Eisteddfod at Denbigh next week (August 3-10).

"Visitors to the FUW stand will have an opportunity to find out why it is vital that Wales, along with the UK, retains its membership of the EU," said the union's Denbighshire and Flintshire county executive officer Rhys Roberts.

One of the week's highlights will be a forum at the stand to discuss the pros and cons of EU membership for Wales and the UK featuring a panel of Conservative, Plaid Cymru, Lib Dem and UKIP politicians along with a member of the union’s presidential team.

The stand's central theme will be the Eisteddfod Crown to be presented to the winning bard at 4.30 on Monday afternoon August 5 for a collection of poems of no more than 250 lines in free verse. The title of the work is Terfysg (Riot or Uproar).

The winner will receive the Eisteddfod Crown and a prize of £750. The Crown was donated by the FUW's Denbighshire and Flintshire branches and the financial prize by Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd Cyf.

“The Crown was designed to highlight the stunning landscapes of the Vale of Clwyd and Clwydian Hills and the theme will showcase the links between, and the influences of, agriculture and the landscape and how that has formed over time," said Mr Roberts.

"Throughout the week we will also be focussing on the links between EU funding, agricultural practices and environmental management,” he added.

Visitors to the stand will be treated to a pot of delicious yoghurt from the Llaeth y Llan dairy in Llannefydd, kindly sponsored by proprietors Falmai and Gareth Roberts.

There will also be an opportunity to sample a variety of award-winning cheeses from the local Llandyrnog Creamery who are also supplying the milk for the traditional free cup of tea or coffee.

Mr Roberts added: "A display of locally produced food and drink will highlight the diversity of produce available in the Vale of Clwyd. It will be an excellent opportunity for members and the public to sample some of the finest locally produced food at the same time as finding out about the links between farmers, producers and the EU.”

Local artist Llinos Angharad Rogers, daughter of FUW members Huw and Glenda Rogers of Lodge Farm, Denbigh, will be present on Friday August 9 to showcase her artwork whilst creating a new piece live on the stand.

On Tuesday August 6, another local artist Elen Mair Jones will also be showcasing her sketching skills and examples of her work to visitors.

Throughout the week children of all ages will be able to enter competitions related to the Crown and to food production, with a range of prizes on offer to the winners.

Staff from Oswestry-based Davis Meade Property Consultants will also be present on Thursday August 8 to offer advice on a wide range of issues to FUW members.

“We are also looking forward to welcoming local AMs and MPs to the stand to discuss topical issues such as the CAP reform over a cup of tea,” said Mr Roberts.

[caption id="attachment_2487" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Andrew Coomber with the FUW-sponsored crown.[/caption]

Information about the latest Welsh Government consultation on the CAP reform proposals and advice on how to minimise the risk of incurring costly Single Farm Payment cross compliance penalties will be available at the Farmers’ Union of Wales stand during the three-day Pembrokeshire county show later this month (August 13-15).

Natural Resources Wales staff will also be on the stand every day between 10am and 2pm to assist farmers with re-registering their farm waste exemptions.

“New regulations introduced on 6 April 2010 changed the system of waste exemptions and farm-based exemptions registered before 6 April 2010 will expire on 30 September 2013," said FUW Pembrokeshire county executive officer Rebecca Voyle.

"By this date farmers will need to have registered for a new exemption and the show provides an ideal platform for our members to do this."

The old waste exemptions have been replaced by a completely new list of exempt waste activities and are now grouped into five categories: non-registerable exemptions - also known as Non-Waste Framework, directive exemptions, which don’t have to be registered; use of waste - U; treatment of waste - T; disposal of waste - D; and storage of waste - S.

Some of the new exemptions are almost identical to exemptions in the old system, some are similar but have different limits and conditions, and some are completely new.

Representatives of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI), the grant-making charity that supports members of the farming community facing need, hardship or distress, will be at the FUW stand on Wednesday afternoon offering Christmas cards and 2014 calendars for sale with all of the proceeds going to the charity.

Glastir officers will be on hand every day of the show to answer questions farmers may have with regards to the scheme. They will also be able to help farmers complete the Glastir scorecard to establish what the scheme will mean for their farm.

Staff from Davis Meade Property Consultants and E-ON energy provider will offer advice on a variety of issues including rent reviews, compensation claims, on-farm renewable energy options and providing information about an energy cost savings initiative for FUW members. 

“The union is also looking forward to meetings local AMs and MPs during the show to raise issues of local concern including the proposed implementation of the CAP reforms and their impact on agriculture in Pembrokeshire, TB and commodity prices,” said Mrs Voyle.