The Farmers' Union of Wales today welcomed the launch of the Welsh Government's "Action Plan for the Food and Drink Industry 2014-2020", describing it as an "ambitious document" which could have real benefits for the food industry in Wales.

The union stressed that the primary production sector is a vital aspect of the food and drink industry in Wales and a profitable farming industry will help deliver the ambitious targets within the plan.

FUW president Emyr Jones said: "Wales has been without a strategic direction for food and drink over the past few years so today’s launch  will begin the process of growing the Welsh food chain from farm to fork which, if implemented properly, could help farm businesses become more sustainable economically.

"The programme aims to grow sales within the food and farming sector by 30% and the FUW welcomes the fact that many of its comments and suggestions submitted during the consultation process have been adopted as part of the strategy."

The strategy itself comprises 48 action proposals ranging from upskilling the labour force to public sector procurement and business growth and development.

"The FUW will now consider the detail of the Action Plan and will contribute to the ongoing discussions on its implementation," Mr Jones added.

[caption id="attachment_2927" align="aligncenter" width="270"] FUW president Emyr Jones[/caption]

Farmers’ Union of Wales officials have raised concerns over the damage low beef cattle prices is causing to farm incomes and the confidence of the industry with Welsh MPs at meetings in Westminster.

During meetings with MPs Elfyn Llwyd (Meirionnydd), Guto Bebb (Aberconwy) and Glyn Davies (Montgomeryshire), FUW president Emyr Jones and deputy president Glyn Roberts highlighted the anger felt by farmers just 12 months after the horsemeat scandal led supermarkets to pledge allegiance to British beef.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Jones said: “There is a strong sense of anger out there with people feeling that the promises made by supermarkets have been shown to be hollow.

“Twelve months ago the food industry was falling over itself to apologise for selling horsemeat labelled as beef to consumers, and pledging allegiance to supply quality Welsh and British beef.

“With prices at unsustainably low levels, and a significant increase in imported beef undermining prices, the industry now feels betrayed.”

Mr Roberts said: “The figures we have also suggest that the savings made by supermarkets through paying low prices to farmers are not being passed on to consumers and many feel both farmers and consumers are being squeezed in order to make up for dwindling supermarket profits.”

Mr Roberts added that the Welsh MPs were left in no doubt as to the strength of feeling amongst Welsh farmers.

THE chief executive of economic development company Menter a Busnes stressed the organisation's enthusiasm for encouraging Welsh speakers to play a wider role in the economy at a meeting of the Farmers' Union of Wales bilingual and publicity committee.

Explaining the work and structure of the Aberystwyth-based organisation, Alun Jones told delegates it only advertised job vacancies in Welsh in West Wales and the ability to speak Welsh was a requirement for most of its posts.

He highlighted the organisation’s commitment to preserving the Welsh language by training its staff to operate fully bilingually and provide extra training for those members of staff who need to progress their Welsh-speaking ability.

He said bilingual staff offered the company a competitive advantage when competing for tenders and contracts.

At times it can be difficult to recruit bilingual staff but the company tries to ensure its clients get a service in the language of their choice, which sometimes means mobilising staff from adjoining counties, Mr Jones added.

Carmarthenshire delegate Mansel Charles, of Sarngelli, Llanegwad, was re-elected as the committee's chairman and Anglesey delegate Tegwyn Jones, of Hafod, Llanfairpwll, was elected vice chairman.

[caption id="attachment_2920" align="aligncenter" width="672"] WELSH LANGUAGE COMMITMENT: From left, Tegwyn Jones, Alun Jones and Mansel Charles[/caption]

The Farmers’ Union of Wales’ Meirionnydd branch had a very successful week at the Urdd Eisteddfod and its stand on the Maes (eisteddfod field) was a hive of activity.

Among the many visitors to the stand during the week was First Minister Carwyn Jones who is seen (second from right) with (from left) FUW Penllyn branch chairman Dylan Davies, county vice chairman Euros Puw and national president Emyr Jones.

“The First Minister’s visit was an opportunity to discuss current issues within the agricultural industry in Meirionnydd and the importance of being part of the European Union,” said FUW Meirionnydd county executive officer Huw Jones.

“The importance of agriculture to the rural economy was emphasised - how it sustains the Welsh language and culture and that the county was pleased to welcome the Eisteddfod.”

[caption id="attachment_2915" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Among the many visitors to the stand during the week was First Minister Carwyn Jones who is seen (second from right) with (from left) FUW Penllyn branch chairman Dylan Davies, county vice chairman Euros Puw and national president Emyr Jones[/caption]