The Farmers' Union of Wales today urged farmers to make their views known on CAP reform by attending open meetings organised across Wales by Farming Connect over the next month.

The four meetings, to be attended by Natural Resources and Food Minister Alun Davies, will be held on Thursday  March 20 at the lecture theatre, Llysfasi College, Ruthin Rd, Ruthin, LL15 2LB; on Thursday  March 27 at Hafod a Hendre, Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, LD2 3SY; on Thursday  April 3 at Nantyffin Hotel and Motel, Llandissilio, Clynderwen, Pembrokeshire, SA66 7SU and on Monday  April 7 at the lecture theatre, Glynllifon College, Clynnog Rd, Glynllifon, Gwynedd, LL54 5DU.

FUW president Emyr Jones said: “We know it is a busy time of year for farmers, many of whom are busy lambing, but these meetings provide a good opportunity for farmers to question the Minister on all aspects of the CAP reforms and I would urge people to attend.”

The meetings will all run from 7.30pm until 9pm, with tea and coffee served at the end.

FUW members are urged to book their spaces by contacting Einir Davies on 01970 636297 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Farmers' Union of Wales were delighted to sponsor the recent public speaking competitions run by Clwyd YFC federation. The English-speaking event was held at Treuddyn and the Welsh version at Dewi Sant School, Rhyl.

Cheques for £100 were presented to representatives of Clwyd YFC at each event by local FUW branch members.

FUW Denbighshire and Flintshire county executive officer Rhys Roberts said the union is always happy to support the YFC movement, both locally and nationally, and believes that public speaking is a great way for members to improve their communication skills.

"It also allows them to gain confidence in airing their views on a variety of topics," Mr Roberts added.

[caption id="attachment_2794" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Clwyd YFC chairman Jonathon Hulme (left) receives a cheque from FUW Flintshire member Alan Gardner.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2795" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Erina Roberts (centre), of FUW Denbighshire ladies committee, presents a cheque to Clwyd YFC representatives Fiona Jones and Dewi Parry.[/caption]

Farmers are invited to hear the latest developments on farm payments and CAP reform during an open discussion next Tuesday (March 18) at Llety Parc, Aberystwyth, organised by the Farmers' Union of Wales Ceredigion county branch.

FUW director of agricultural policy Dr Nick Fenwick will give an explanation of current understanding as to how the proposed new scheme will work and there will be an opportunity to ask questions about any concerns farmers, tenants and landowners may have.

Dr Fenwick said: “There is still a great deal which is uncertain as some of the more detailed elements of the rules have still to be released, but we have a clear picture regarding most of the implications of CAP reform.”

FUW Ceredigion county executive officer Caryl Wyn-Jones will also be available throughout the meeting to answer any questions.

Refreshments will be available between 7pm and 7.30 when the meeting will start. FUW members are welcome to bring friends and neighbours.

Miss Wyn-Jones said: “With significant changes across the board within the agricultural sector, it’s vital that these changes and, more importantly, their implications are understood fully and clearly. I urge all farmers, landowners and tenants to come and discuss any concerns or issues.”

The Farmers' Union of Wales reaffirmed its lifelong mission to safeguard family farms - the "backbone of Welsh rural communities" - during a high profile function at Westminster today (Tuesday March 11).

Addressing the union's annual House of Lords lunch, president Emyr Jones said family farmers were passionate about the food they produce but passion alone cannot sustain their businesses.

In addition to celebrating quality Welsh food, the function is important in the FUW’s continuing campaign to promote Welsh produce. Hosted by Lord Roberts of Llandudno and generously supported by sponsors Hybu Cig Cymru, Welsh Government and E.ON, the guest list included peers, MPs and representatives of key buyers of Welsh produce.

The menu comprised a main course of Welsh lamb - served with a leek, potato and Caerphilly cake, stuffed cabbage and wild garlic - followed by Welsh cake with gooseberry compote and honeyed cream.

Mr Jones told diners his passion for family farms and their survival was one of the reasons he joined the FUW which was established in 1955.

"I believe in the FUW's principles to be an independent union fighting for the farmers of Wales to ensure there's a good future for family farms - the backbone of our rural communities - keeping our young farmers on the land and our towns and villages vibrant."

Referring to "The Sound of Music" film's song about "the hills being alive with the sound of music", Mr Jones, who runs a beef and sheep family farm near Bala, said: "What I want in the hills of Wales is for them to be alive with the sound of farmers and their children going about their day-to-day work.

"I am proud and grateful for having had the opportunity to do a job that I really enjoy which is to look after the land and animals and produce food for our customers to enjoy.

"As farmers we are passionate about the food we produce but passion alone cannot sustain us. We need a fair price for what we produce so that we can invest in our farms and our livestock. If we do not look after the land and our animals they will not look after us.

"Our industry needs the full support of Westminster and our National Assembly in Cardiff so that we can produce more food at a time when the world population is estimated to increase from today's seven billion to nine billion by 2050."

Last Thursday, the FUW's Grand Council unanimously agreed to underline the union's commitment to family farms after Brecon and Radnor delegate Richard Joyce reminded the meeting 2014 had been designated the International Year of Family Farming.

"Wales is a nation of family farms but many farm policy agreements are reached in Europe so it is vital for Welsh agriculture that family farms are at the forefront of all GB discussions," said Mr Joyce, who farms on the Wales-England border at Woodbrook, near Kington.

"The FUW, with the family farm central to its formation and history, should seize the initiative and argue for all family farms, wherever they are in the UK, to be brought to the very top of all EU and UK agricultural agendas and discussions.

"It is why we were formed and we will stand side by side with others who believe the future of agriculture must encompass the family farm as the centre of UK agriculture. The FUW, the union of the family farm, will do its utmost to make this happen - for all our futures."

[caption id="attachment_2652" align="aligncenter" width="230"] Emyr Jones (far right) on the family farm near Bala with his sons Dylan (left) and Aled[/caption]