The Farmers’ Union of Wales were very pleased to meet with David Jones MP, Minister of State for Exiting the European Union earlier today.

The meeting, which was held at the Royal Welsh Showground, was an informative and  wide-ranging discussion around the issues and concerns impacting the agricultural sector whilst we plan and eventually exit from the European Union.

The Minister pointed out that he had been in this new departmental post for only 5 days and had made it a personal priority to engage with the farmers of Wales, with the FUW as his first port of call, as soon as possible.

“This was his first meeting with any organisation outside Government and demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that agriculture does not suffer during the Brexit process and I’m grateful that he came to us to have that discussion” said Glyn Roberts,  President of The Farmers’ Union of Wales. “We know we face some challenging and worrying times, but knowing that there is someone at the centre of this critical planning process who has a great understanding of Wales and of Welsh agriculture is reassuring. “

“We have agreed to meet again, more formally, at the beginning of September when we will set out our thinking around the concerns for the immediate years leading up to exit which we expect to be as close to 2020 as possible. And of course we will work with as wide a constituency as possible to ensure that the voice of farming in Wales is well represented. #FarmingMatters and planning for it is now taking place at a high level in Government and we plan to play a key part in that planning” said Mr Roberts.

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Former Western Mail farming editor Sally Williams has been recognised for her role in promoting the role Welsh farming plays in our rural economy and has been presented with the Farmers’ Union of Wales Bob Davies Memorial award.

Sally is a Senior Reporter for the Shropshire Star which is campaigning to support British farming.

She was awarded Online News Reporter of the Year 2015 by BBC newsreader Huw Edwards in the Wales Media Awards held in Cardiff.

Sally was previously Country and Farming/Powys Editor for the Trinity Mirror Group's Western Mail/Wales Online and is a former Deputy Editor of the County Times.

The award – in memory of Farmers Weekly Wales correspondent Bob Davies, who died in November 2009 – is offered to a media personality who has raised the public profile of Welsh farming every year.

Bob Davies, who lived in Welshpool, Powys, worked for the national magazine Farmers' Weekly for 44 years.

He covered a variety of issues affecting rural life during his career, including foot-and-mouth outbreaks and BSE.

The list of those who have previously received the award - a shepherd’s crook specially carved by award winning Aberystwyth stick maker Hywel Evans - include former FUW director of public relations Peter Roberts, S4C Ffermio presenter and Carmarthenshire farmer’s daughter Meinir Howells, experienced Ceredigion TV and radio journalist John Meredith, Swansea-based Telesgop managing director Elin Rhys,  BBC TV’s Countryfile presenter Adam Henson, Farmers Guardian journalist Barry Alston, BBC Radio Cymru’s Dei Tomos, Freelance agricultural journalist Meyrick Brown, founding editor of the Welsh Assembly Government’s bilingual Gwlad magazine Roy Hancock, former farming editor of the Western Mail Steve Dube, rural affairs editor at the Daily Post (Wales) Andrew Forgrave and Welsh agricultural broadcaster Hywel James as well as S4C’s Cefn Gwlad presenter Dai Jones, Llanilar.

Presenting the award at the annual FUW President’s reception during the Royal Welsh Show, FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “Through the award the Union recognises the vital role the media play in highlighting farming and rural affairs issues and bringing the countryside closer to those who may not be directly involved with the industry.

“Sally has reported on the Royal Welsh Show, in print and online with videos and pictures and has been a member of the Royal Welsh Show's Publicity Committee for a number of years. She has interviewed Prime Minister David Cameron and farming leaders about many pressing farming issues, including the TB crisis and climate change.

“Sally has over the years been immensely supportive and highlighted a wide range of issues that affect the farming and rural community and for this we thank her today.”

On being presented with the award, Sally said: "I feel surprised and deeply honoured to receive this award in memory of Bob Davies, such a highly-respected journalist.

"I was in Welshpool High School with Bob's daughter Emma, a photographer and it was lovely to see them working together as an effective team at the show.

"The Press Room wasn't quite the same without Bob there in his usual seat.

"The Welsh farming world is like one big family - we all support each other.

"I was lucky to have my daughter, Phoebe helping me each year at the show for 12 years and mum and dad helping behind the scenes over the years too.

"We have made many good friends here, including past winners of this award, which makes it extra special. Thank you very much to everyone at the FUW for this award, which I will treasure, always.

"I hope that we can all do all that we can to continue to support Welsh farming because there is nothing more important than the food we eat and Welsh produce is the best in the world."

The Farmers’ Union of Wales has honoured former FUW President Emyr Jones with the Union’s internal award for services to agriculture to thank him for all he has done for the industry.

Mr Jones stood down as the FUW President following 15 years’ loyal service to the organisation at national level in June 2015.

He was Meirionnydd County Chairman from 1998 to 2000 when he was elected to represent North Wales on the Union’s central finance and organisation committee.

He was elected national Vice President in 2002, Deputy President in 2003 and President in 2011.

Presenting the award on the Wednesday night of the Royal Welsh Show (July 20) at the FUW President’s reception, current Union President Glyn Roberts said: “I wholeheartedly thank Emyr for everything he has done for the FUW, the agricultural industry and our Welsh economy. We are indebted to our former president for his leadership and all he has contributed over the years.”

Mr Jones is married with three children and has four grandchildren. A Welsh speaker, he was born and brought up on the family farm Rhiwaedog, Rhosygwaliau, near Bala.

The farm extends to 360 acres, with a further 400 acres of rented land, and carries a herd of 70 pedigree Welsh Black suckler cows and 1,700 breeding sheep.

Emyr Jones is a prominent member of many organisations, a deacon of his local chapel, and  is a director of Meirionnydd County Show . He also holds the role of Meirionnydd County Show President this year.

His contribution to agriculture was recognised when he became an Associate of the Royal Agricultural Societies, and received the honour of Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies in 2001.

Rhiwaedog has won several accolades over many years including the Royal Welsh Show Farm Buildings Facilities Award and the Snowdonia National Park Society Farming and Landscape Award.

Its main achievement was in 2008 when the farm won the British Grassland Societies National Grassland and Management competition in Wales and went forward to win the UK title.

He is passionately committed to the principles on which the FUW was established has spoken frequently on behalf of the union on radio and television during his time in office.

Speaking about the award, Emyr Jones said: “It’s an honour to be presented with the award this evening.

“I enjoyed myself during my time in office and being President of the FUW for 4 years was an honour.

“I have made many friends over the years, who will undoubtedly be friends for life.

“Farming and the years in front of us are very challenging. We need this Union now more than ever and we need an Assembly Government that is 100 percent behind our industry.

“Our young farmers are as efficient and business minded as they have ever been - but they need support. Many years ago it was easier to make a profit than it is now; the margins couldn’t be tighter - so this government has to support the industry.

“One way of doing that is to deal with the issue of bovine TB so ensure that nothing can put future trade deals in jeopardy and with that the survival our Welsh family farms and rural economy.”

[caption id="attachment_6672" align="alignleft" width="300"] Royal Welsh Show 2016. Wednesday.
Scarlets rugby team support welsh dairy farmers! at the Royal Welsh Show, players having a milkshake.
L/R Will Boyde, Ryan Elias, Wyn Jones, Steff Hughes and Hadleigh Parker, pictured at the FUW stand.[/caption]

In a bid to promote the benefits of drinking milk and to raise awareness of the importance of supporting the Welsh dairy industry, the Farmers’ Union of Wales has once again teamed up with the Scarletts Rugby team at the Royal Welsh Show.

Handing out free milk drinks to children, FUW Dairy Spokesperson Eifion Huws said: “Milk and dairy products have an important part to play in our daily diet as they provide an important source of protein and calcium and contain essential vitamins and minerals, all of which are needed for a balanced diet.

“Indeed, the exclusion of dairy products from the ‘sugar tax’ demonstrates the role such products play in a healthy diet.”

“In addition, with an increasing amount of research into milk as a recovery and re-hydration aid for athletes, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting milk may be just as effective in these areas as some sports drinks,” commented Eifion Huws.

However, despite the recognised benefits of milk and dairy products in a balanced diet, dairy producers in Wales remain in need of urgent support.

“In the absence of moves which ensure markets provide sufficient income for dairy farm businesses we have to ensure that support is maintained for our sectors at levels which do not compromise either family farms or rural economies.

“The decision to leave the European Union means that agriculture and domestic food production needs to be given priority during all trade negotiations with other countries and trading blocks now and post-Brexit and that most certainly is critical to the survival of the our Welsh dairy industry.

“In light of the continuing dairy crisis it is essential that robust steps are taken to ensure supermarkets and other private sector bodies support domestic dairy producers and do not act in a way which undermines our UK dairy food production or the viability of our agricultural sectors in general,” added Eifion Huws.

[caption id="attachment_6669" align="alignleft" width="300"] FUW TB Spokesperson Brian Walters, Adrian Thorne Head of APHA Wales Bovine TB Epidemiology Team, Ian McGrath Cheshire Dairy farmer and member of the DEFRA Bovine TB Eradication Advisory Group for England , Professor Christianne Glossop Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales and Peredur Hughes, Chair of Welsh Government Animal Health and Welfare Group[/caption]

The Farmers’ Union of Wales has hosted a seminar on bovine TB entitled ‘TB Perspectives, Science, Practicalities and Policy’ at the Royal Welsh Show to explore the way forward for bTB control in Wales.

The seminar provided Union members and stakeholders with the opportunity to raise important matters of concern and to hear the different perspectives of expert panel members.

The meeting was chaired by Peredur Hughes, Chair of Welsh Government Animal Health and Welfare Group.

The panel included Professor Christianne Glossop Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Ian McGrath Cheshire Dairy farmer and member of the DEFRA Bovine TB Eradication Advisory Group for England and Adrian Thorne Head of APHA Wales Bovine TB Epidemiology Team.

Following the seminar FUW Bovine TB spokesperson Brian Walters said: “The panel answered a range of questions relating to those issues currently facing Welsh cattle farmers, including potential mechanisms for dealing with the wildlife vector, and I must thank our panel members for putting the spotlight on bovine TB here at the Royal Welsh show today.”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales has hosted a panel discussion, in conjunction with the Care Council for Wales, about working together to make our rural communities more resilient.

Chairing the meeting was Care Council Chief Executive Sue Evans.

Panel members included Cllr Gareth Roberts, Gwynedd Council cabinet member for adult services, Glyn Roberts, Farmers’ Union of Wales President, Sara Moseley, Director, Mind Cymru and Sarah McCarty, Director of Workforce Learning and Development, Care Council.

Speaking after the meeting, FUW President Glyn Roberts, said: “Many people in rural Wales can be quite isolated. The FUW, through its county office structure helps to keep in contact with members and those who might feel isolated and promotes the economic and social well-being of rural areas in many ways.

“Because of the structure we have, we can speak to our members and that is important as it alleviates some of the pressure. By listening and checking on their emotional well-being we can support them in times of crisis. For many years we have supported farmers who were under severe stress because of for example a bovine TB breakdown, cattle being removed from the farm or unnerving letters arriving through the post from Government.

“As a Union we are there to help and support the rural community in any way we can. Another way we provide such support is by working with framing charities such as RABI, Farm Crisis Network and the Addington Fund.

“We also support many other charities that are invaluable in our rural communities such as Wales Air Ambulance, Cancer Research Wales, Ty Hafan and Ty Gobaith, and the British Heart Foundation Wales.

“All the FUW does is about #FarmingMatters, reminding people that #FarmingMatters and helping those in need with #FarmingMatters.

“The family farm is recognised as the powerhouse of our rural economies and the most appropriate source of UK agricultural produce and 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%. The FUW supports and promotes the use of the Welsh language.

“The FUW has also long been a strong supporter for the YFC - let’s consider 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.

“Only this week we have asked for legislation to be drafted that mandates the procurement of British produce by the UK public Sector. This will support rather than spite the sectors which lie at the heart of our rural economies and bring many benefits to our nations.”

Sue Evans, Chief Executive Care Council said: “We are very grateful to the FUW for allowing us to host the discussion here today, and for also taking the time to bring their expertise and reflections to the panel.

“The FUW work very closely with their members and are therefore able to bring an additional and very important perspective to the discussion.

“We know that rural communities face their own complex challenges and so the input of the FUW along with all our other panel guests will be crucial as we develop our care and support strategy for Welsh Government, which will be particularly important for those living in rural areas.”