From left, Dairy Show president Brian Thomas, Rita Jones and FUW deputy president Brian Thomas.[/caption]
Rita Jones, Head of Wales Farm Liaison Service at Welsh Government Agricultural Department at Carmarthen, has been recognised for her services to agriculture in Carmarthen with the Farmers’ Union of Wales - United Counties Agricultural and Hunters Society award.
FUW Carmarthen County Executive Officer David Waters, said: “Rita is highly thought of by farmers and all associated with agriculture in general.
“Her contribution, knowledge and help to Welsh farmers over the years has been invaluable. She’s always very helpful and as a farmer’s daughter, she understands the challenges all farmers face. Rita is very deserving of this award.”
The Welsh Government’s Farm Liaison Service, which provides guidance and advice for farmers on new rules and regulations, was developed from a pilot scheme that was established by Rita Jones in 2001 in the wake of the foot and mouth crisis.
Since that time Rita has offered an invaluable service to local farmers, particularly in terms of assistance with record keeping and form filling requirements associated with the rules of the Single Payment Scheme, which was introduced in 2015.
Rita Jones has played a crucial role in bringing the Welsh Government and agricultural industry closer together and continues to play an important role in assisting farmers in Carmarthenshire and throughout the whole of Wales.
Hailing from Cynwyl Elfed, Rita is a founder member and was the first secretary of Cynwyl Elfed Young Farmers Club. She has a long association with the YFC movement in Carmarthenshire and has assisted many local YFC members with preparing for Public speaking competitions over the years.
In addition, Rita Jones was awarded the MBE in 2006 in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to Welsh agriculture and in 2008 she was made an Associate of the Royal Agricultural Society.
Rita Jones was also made a Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Society in 2013 for her contribution to the agricultural industry.