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]

The Farmers' Union of Wales revealed today it has worked with local MP Glyn Davies to organise an event in the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday June 11 to highlight the "hidden gems" of Montgomeryshire.

Montgomeryshire Day will promote local businesses and producers and show MPs and their staff from across the UK what the area has to offer.

In addition to samples of delicious local meats, drink and cakes, many of the region’s picturesque tourism destinations will be showcased.

The companies exhibiting include Ifor’s Welsh Wagyu; Neuadd Fach Baconry; Berriew Cider; Doodlebakes; Monty’s Brewery; British Wool Marketing Board; Gregynog; and Montgomeryshire Spring Water.

Exhibitors and other guests, including nearly 40 FUW staff and members led by national president Emyr Jones, will be travelling to London for the event and they have been invited to a special reception in the House of Commons on the evening of June 10.

FUW county chairman Alwyn Vaughan said the union's Montgomeryshire branch was delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside Glyn Davies in order to show and promote the diverse nature of Montgomeryshire.

"The exhibition in Parliament will show many of the hidden gems of Montgomeryshire such as the landscape, businesses and tourism."

Mr Davies said: “Montgomeryshire Day will be an exciting and unique event that will promote some of Mid Wales’ finest local produce, and provide MPs with the chance to learn more about the area’s organisations and businesses.

“I am very pleased that many companies from Montgomeryshire will be joining us in Westminster in order to showcase their products and activities. I would also like to thank the FUW, who have been instrumental in putting this prestigious event together.

“Montgomeryshire Day will be a great chance to celebrate all things Montgomeryshire!”