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!”

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."

[caption id="attachment_2910" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SUCCESSFUL MEETING: From left, Chris Lewis, Nick Fenwick, Glyn Davies, Howard Vicary and Mike Davies[/caption]