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Rees Roberts[/caption]
Farmers' Union of Wales stalwart Rees Roberts has been awarded the prestigious Royal Smithfield Club Bicentenary Trophy in recognition of his lifelong service to the red meat industry both in Wales and across the UK.
Mr Roberts is a former chairman of the FUW's national hill farming committee and the union's president Emyr Jones said today: "There is absolutely no doubt in my mind and that of many other FUW members and supporters that Rees fully deserves to receive this honour and to be recognised in this way by his peers.
"He is a popular and highly respected figure in Welsh and UK agricultural circles and has enthusiastically held a variety of public offices. He has served British farming interests well for many years."
Mr Roberts, who farms at Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant, near Oswestry, was presented with his award at a lunch at the Butcher's Hall, London, by the chairman of the Royal Smithfield Club Angus Stovold who highlighted his unstinting work within the red meat industry.
Mr Roberts was the founding chairman of Hybu Cig Cymru, a position he held from its inception in 2003 until his retirement from the post last autumn. Prior to that he had been Meat and Livestock Commission Commissioner for Wales and Chair of the Welsh Committee.
Additionally, he has been Chair of the Welsh Sheep Strategy, a member of the Welsh Assembly Food and Drink Advisory Group, a member of Welsh Assembly/WDA Agri Food Partnership Advisory Committee and chairman of Welsh Beef and Lamb Promotions.
He has also been voted Food Personality of the Year by Food and Industry Magazine and received an FUW award for services to Welsh agriculture.
Mr Roberts is aged 59 and was awarded the OBE in 2002 for services to agriculture. Married to Sally, the couple have two daughters - Bethan and Ceri.