The Farmers' Union of Wales teamed up with Pembrokeshire’s young farmers during the Urdd National Eisteddfod to promote farming plus community and charity work in the county.
The county's YFC branch shared the FUW's stand where there were many activities, including displays and competitions, throughout the week.
They included the launch of the revamped Pembrokeshire FUW Countryside Business Award today by the Minister for Natural Resources and Food Alun Davies.
The award is for an individual 40 years of age or under who has developed their own rural-based business and who is or has been actively involved with Pembrokeshire YFC either as a member, past member, club leader or trainer.
Speaking at the Eisteddfod, the Minister said:
“I am delighted to launch this award which recognises the fantastic work that young people are doing to support Pembrokeshire’s rural economy.
“The award demonstrates the importance of keeping business at the heart of the farming industry. It is essential that we recognise people who strive to deliver professional, profitable and sustainable agricultural businesses during this period of immense change.”
FUW Pembrokeshire county executive officer Rebecca Voyle added:
"We are looking for entries from a wide range of people including those who are farming in their own right.
"Entrants must be those providing a service to the agricultural sector or people who have started a rural-based business such as cake making, electrical services, crafts or music teaching. The list is endless.
"By presenting this award we hope to highlight the fantastic work which young people are doing to keep the rural areas of Pembrokeshire vibrant and economically active places."
To be eligible for the award the individual must be:
- 40 years of age or under on January 1 2013
- Actively involved in a rural-business based in Pembrokeshire
- Have a link with Pembrokeshire YFC either as a member, past member, club leader or trainer
A cash prize, perpetual trophy and a year’s free membership with the FUW will be presented to the winner during the Pembrokeshire county show (August 13-15).
Entries must be submitted to the Pembrokeshire FUW office at 3 North Street, Haverfordwest, by 5pm on Wednesday July 10. Further information can be obtained at the FUW stand during the Eisteddfod.
"Those nominating someone for the award must obtain their consent before their name is put forward," said Mrs Voyle.
FUW Pembrokeshire also sponsored the Eisteddfod's Art Medal “Fedal Gelf” and the activities on the union's stand included a children’s quiz for those up to and including the age of 11 about different types of farming and the role bees play in food production. The prize is a children’s farm set.
The YFC had a display of some of the competition entries by clubs for this year’s County Rally and information about the different activities YFC members take part in including their community and charity work.
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Alun Davies (second from right) on the FUW stand with union officials (from left) deputy president Glyn Roberts, Pembrokeshire county chairman John Savins (rear), county vice chairman Hywel Vaughan, vice president Richard Vaughan and South Wales representative on the union’s central finance and organisation committee Brian Thomas.[/caption]