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.”