FUW highlights agriculture’s contribution to the Welsh language at the Eisteddfod

The Farmers’ Union of Wales is looking forward to a busy week promoting why #FarmingMatters, and the vital role farming families play in conserving the Welsh language in our rural communities, at the National Eisteddfod, (Friday 4-12 August).

“Visitors to the FUW stand will have an opportunity to find out why #FarmingMatters to our rural economy and of course Welsh rural life. A warm welcome is offered to all those who are attending the National Eisteddfod and I hope to see many of our members at our stand,” said FUW President Glyn Roberts.

Research has shown that throughout Wales, those who speak Welsh within the ‘Agriculture, energy and water’ category make an essential contribution to the preservation of the language in terms of numbers, and in particular in terms of the proportion within the category who speak Welsh (29.5%), significantly higher than the overall proportion (17%). 
Arguably, a similar analysis of those only involved in the farming industry would reveal a higher percentage again, and reveal higher contributions in terms of the role played by farming in preserving the Welsh language.  More information and a report on ‘Farming in Wales and the Welsh language’ will be available on the FUW stand (stand 405-406).

Therefore, moves which undermine the viability of Welsh agriculture are likely to represent a significant threat to the Welsh language. The effects of Brexit on agriculture is a topic under constant discussion: FUW President Glyn Roberts will be highlighting the importance of a phased Brexit transition during a discussion on ‘the future of agricultural communities post Brexit’ at Cymdeithas yr Iaith’s stand on Monday at 2pm. A third of Wales’ population live in rural areas where farming, and businesses which rely on agriculture, play an essential role in local economies, as well as the Welsh language. 

Speaking about the importance of the Welsh language, FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “We must acknowledge the fact that there are changing language patterns out there but, a strong Welsh economy needs to be supported by our language, to ensure we keep our Welsh identity.

“So our stand is not just about farming; it is about the wider recognition of how ‘#FarmingMatters’, where supply chains are involved, how money circulates in the local economy, where people survive, where profits are made, communities are sustained and our culture continues to thrive.”