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FUW Anglesey members tell local MP Albert Owen why #FarmingMatters.[/caption]
The Anglesey branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales has held a successful meeting with local MP Albert Owen to discuss #FarmingMatters, including the rural economy, Brexit and the importance of the family farm.
The meeting was held on Friday, November 25, at Quirt Farm, Dwyran a council owned dairy farm run by FUW members Richard and Margaret Davies. Also joining the meeting to reinforce the FUW message on why #FarmingMatters to the rural economy was Dyfrig Hughes from BOCM Pauls.
FUW Anglesey County Executive Officer Heidi Williams said: “We had a very good meeting with our local MP Albert Owen today and stressed the importance of agriculture to our rural economy. During our meeting we emphasised that support for agriculture post-Brexit should be maintained at levels which do not compromise either family farms or rural economies.
“Agriculture and domestic food production must be given priority during all trade negotiations with other countries and trading blocks, and we also stressed that bureaucracy and restrictions must not adversely impact or hamper Welsh and UK agriculture.
“Another issue we highlighted was that irrespective of what trade deals are in place post-Brexit, within the UK, Welsh farmers will compete against their counterparts in other devolved regions and as such we need to make sure that we have a common policy across the UK which minimises unfair competition and market distortion once we have left the European Union.
“We further made the point that the way in which budgets are allocated by UK Governments, and the allocation of devolved budgets through the Barnett Formula, further complicate matters. This represents a significant threat in terms of volatility and any allocation of agricultural funding to Wales.”
Those present were also eager to re-introduce the Milk Marketing Board.
Mr Owen further heard that the sale of local council holdings is of great concern for Anglesey. Heidi Williams added that: “Council farms provide a stepping stone for our young people to get into the industry and whilst we appreciate the financial difficulties councils find themselves in, selling off their holdings does nothing to support those who want to get started in the industry.”