The Meirionnydd branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales is looking forward to a busy day at the County Show (Wednesday, 28 August), which will be held at Harlech.
Union officials, including FUW President Glyn Roberts, will welcome Dafydd Elis Thomas AM and Liz Saville Roberts MP to the marquee for a discussion on farm policy and funding post Brexit, as well as many other farming matters.
FUW Meirionnydd County Chairman Sion Ifans said: “We look forward to discussing #FarmingMatters at the stand with our members and elected politicians and extend a warm welcome for members, guests and friends of the FUW as in previous years to join us on the day.
“Union officials and staff, as well as FUW Insurance Services Ltd. will be on hand to answer questions our members may have. The County Branch is also grateful to members and friends of the FUW in the Dinas Mawddwy, Dolgellau and Trawsfynydd areas for taking responsibility for the refreshments on the stand.”
The Meirionnydd Branch of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution will be present at the FUW stand this year throughout the day and in addition North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones will also be present, together with Rob Taylor and members of the Rural Crime Team addressing the issue of farm thefts in the county.
The FUW is further drawing attention to the work of the Wales Farm Safety Partnership (WFSP), which has recently appointed ‘ambassadors’, one of which is Alun Edwards, prominent local FUW member and well known TV presenter. Alun will be on the FUW stand as part of his work highlighting why Welsh farm businesses need to ‘stop, think and put the right systems in place’ to reduce the high risk of agricultural accidents.
The FUW’s County Branch will also be presenting its annual sponsorship of £250 to the Young Farmers’ Clubs in Meirionnydd, whilst also introducing FUW Academi. This was launched recently at the Royal Welsh Show, and is a new way of keeping in touch with young farmers. It promises all year round activities and events through a network of groups which provides a focus for gathering together, and catching up on the latest farming practices.
In addition, joining the FUW on the day are FWAG Cymru Director Dr Glenda Thomas between 11am and 12noon who will be available to discuss the upcoming Glastir contract extensions and preparing for Glastir inspections. Farming Connect Meirionnydd Development Officer Eryl P Roberts will also be present between 1pm and 3pm.
Gwennan Jones of Gamlins Solicitors LLP will be on the FUW stand between 10.30 and 2.30 and will be available for very brief legal advice on any issue. FUW membership includes a half hour free legal advice with Gamlins Solicitors LLP, who have offices throughout North West Wales.
David Williams, Wales Regional Director of the Farming Community Network (FCN) will be present on the FUW stand for a short time as in previous years. In addition, Dolgellau Hospital Staff Nurse Anne Thomas and Edna Jones of BCUHB Outpatient Services will also be present throughout the day to promote health and raise awareness of the support available for mental wellbeing in the farming community.