The Farmers' Union of Wales has welcomed today's Welsh Government's statement on the future of the Glastir land management scheme under the next Rural Development Programme (RDP) particularly its promise to engage closely with stakeholders to implement its proposals.

“The union has called for many of the proposals within the document over a number of years and the introduction of greater flexibility into the scheme will help make it more accessible to a greater number of farmers who have been top sliced 15% of their single farm payment to help finance RDP measures," said FUW land use and parliamentary committee chairman Gavin Williams, of Holyhead, Anglesey.

"All elements of Glastir will now be independent of each other and stocking densities will be developed to recognise the farming calendar which has been a barrier for many farmers.

“We also welcome the development of a new Small Grant and Habitat Network component which we believe will provide a positive first step into environmental management for some farmers.

“Whilst there remain some concerns about some aspects of the proposals, such as the increased allocation of resources for forestry and the suggested use of RDP funds to replant public forests, in general terms we look forward to working with Welsh Government to take these proposals forward."

[caption id="attachment_2939" align="aligncenter" width="832"] Re-elected FUW president Emyr Jones[/caption]

Bala beef and sheep farmer Emyr Jones was re-elected as the Farmers' Union of Wales' national president at the union's quarterly grand council meeting in Aberystwyth yesterday (June 16).

Mr Jones has held the position since June 2011. His deputy, Glyn Roberts, of Padog, near Betws y Coed, and three vice presidents - Brian Walters (Carmarthen), Brian Thomas (Llanfyrnach, Pembrokeshire) and Richard Vaughan (Tywyn, Gwynedd) - were also re-elected.

They form the presidential team that sits on the union's finance and organisation committee together with re-elected North Wales special member Eifion Huws (Holyhead) and newly-elected South Wales special member Brian Bowen who replaces Lorraine Howells (Rhymney, Gwent), the recently elected Welsh Black Cattle Society president.

Mr Bowen, 54, was brought up at Penwenallt Farm, Cwmcou, Newcastle Emlyn, Carmarthenshire, and now farms at Pencoedcae Farm, Princetown, near Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent.

He is chairman of Llangynider Common Association and also chairs its Glastir committee. He is an executive member of two other commons associations (Buckland Manor Common and Gelligaer & Merthyr Common) and a director on the board of the Hay & Brecon Farmers agricultural co-operative.

He said: "I am very interested in representing farmers in discussions concerning the future of the CAP and have taken part in meetings with MPs, AMs and MEPs to put across their views.

"I believe it is also up to my generation to ensure that family farming in Wales continues and is attractive to the younger generation, such as my son."

[caption id="attachment_2940" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The union's finance and organisation committee newly-elected South Wales special member Brian Bowen[/caption]

The new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will drastically increase red tape, Farmers' Union of Wales president Emyr Jones predicted today.

Addressing the union's annual general meeting at Aberystwyth, Mr Jones said: "A decade ago we were told that the abolition of headage payments would reduce red tape for farmers and I was looking forward to seeing the back of the head counts and form-filling which accompanied the old system.

"Well, I don’t suppose I receive any fewer phone calls from farmers complaining about inspections and paperwork than my predecessors did under the old regime.

"In fact, I’d put money on the fact that I receive more.

"Now, on the eve of a new CAP, I am tempted to get rid of my mobile phone altogether - I don’t know if both my or the phone's batteries will be able to take it.

"What was promised by the European Commission would be a simplified CAP next year will elevate red tape to a new unprecedented level."

FUW PRESIDENT EMYR JONES' 2014 AGM MESSAGE

GJ FUW presentation

Farmers’ Union of Wales members and friends are planning to cover all 871 miles of the Wales Coast Path during a huge sponsored walk event to raise funds for children’s hospice charities T? Hafan and T? Gobaith, it was announced at the union’s annual general meeting in Aberystwyth today (Monday June 16).

The challenging event will take place on Saturday and Sunday September 13 and 14 when teams of union members, staff and friends will embark on various walks along the whole length of the Wales Coast Path in an effort to boost funds for both charities which have been chosen for FUW president Emyr Jones’ 2014 charity appeal.

More than £11,000 has already been raised since the appeal was launched earlier this year, Mr Jones told county delegates.

He added: “The idea of covering every section of the Wales Coast Path is a huge challenge but I have no doubt that, with the enthusiasm and support of union staff, members and friends already shown for raising as much money as possible for these two inspiring charities, it can be achieved.

“Walks have been organised for all sections of the coast path, varying in length from three to 16 miles, and we will require about 90 teams to help us meet our target.

“We invite anyone willing and able to join us for this exciting fundraising event to let their local FUW county office know as soon as possible. Pre-registration is essential due to the nature of the event,” said Mr Jones.

For further information and to pre-register for the event please contact your local county office or the FUW press office on 01970 820820.