A bid to resurrect the West Gwent branch of the Farmers' Union of Wales after a lapse of 12 years has proved to be a huge success.
Following a discussion at a recent FUW Gwent county executive meeting, invitations to a meeting at Llanhilleth Miners Institute were sent to all members in the area plus several other non-members in the hope they would attend and help re-establish the West Gwent branch.
Guests for the evening included FUW director of agricultural policy Nick Fenwick, Monmouthshire Livestock Centre auctioneer Mike Davies and local farmer and FUW member Howard Vicary.
The meeting, chaired by Gwent county chairman Chris Lewis, began with Dr Fenwick outlining the FUW’s recently-published 21 points in response to Welsh Government policies to improve farm efficiency and profitability.
Mr Davies gave an appraisal of how the new market at Raglan was working, indicating that it was proving to be a tremendous success with good support from buyers and vendors, and adding that they were looking to expand the number of days on which the market operated.
A question and answer session followed when many interesting topics were raised. FUW Gwent county executive officer Glyn Davies said: "Concern was expressed about the proposed EID Cymru and the regulations relating to the Glastir Commons and the Glastir Entry Scheme.
"In addition, members were keen to highlight the role played by farmers in preserving the rural landscape and environment in the Valley areas.
"It was particularly pleasing to note the number of young farmers present amongst the total of 38 who attended the meeting.
"It is hoped that a further meeting will be held in the autumn where a branch chairman and vice chairman can be elected with a view to holding three to four meetings per year and to raise the profile of the union further in the West Gwent area."
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SUCCESSFUL MEETING: From left, Chris Lewis, Nick Fenwick, Glyn Davies, Howard Vicary and Mike Davies[/caption]