The Farmers' Union of Wales has welcomed the news that 91 per cent of Welsh Single Payments will be released on December 3 - the first day of the payment window.

The announcement that over £213 million would be released to more than 15,000 farm businesses was made by deputy agriculture minister Alun Davies during a Hybu Cig Cymru breakfast event at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair in Llanelwedd.

Speaking after the event, FUW president Emyr Jones said: "I would like to thank all those Welsh Government staff who have worked hard to ensure that such a large proportion of claims have been processed and can be released on the first day of the payment period.

"The Single Payment represents an essential injection of funds into our rural communities which sustain farms and a host of other businesses which rely directly or indirectly on agriculture."

Mr Jones also welcomed the deputy minister's commitment to maintaining the CAP budget at a level which reflected its importance to the economy of Wales.

"We have heard a great deal from successive UK governments about cutting CAP spending and moving money away from food production but we have yet to see a 'plan B' which holds water and recognises the challenges we face in terms of feeding a growing global population.

"In the absence of acceptable Pillar 1 CAP payments we would see the collapse of our rural economies and communities, and UK and EU food security would be severely compromised at a time when global food shortages are occurring more and more frequently.

"The deputy minister is right to recognise these concerns, and is very much on the same page as the FUW in doing so."

[caption id="attachment_3795" align="aligncenter" width="500"] MEMORIAL AWARD: Harley-Blue Clarke-Stead receives the Walter Rowlands Memorial Award from his widow Mrs Nesta Rowlands.[/caption]

An animal management student at Pencoed College, near Bridgend, has won the Farmers' Union of Wales Glamorgan county branch Walter Rowlands Memorial Award.

Harley-Blue Clarke-Stead (correct spelling) of Graig-yr-Hufen Farm, Senghenydd, Caerphilly, received the accolade for her excellent work as an agricultural student.

The award consists of a £200 grant to be used towards educational studies and was devised in memory of Walter Rowlands to recognise his hard work during his 29 years' employment with the FUW as a county secretary.

Harley-Blue lives on her family's farm which runs a wide range of livestock which she also helps to manage. She said: "I adore working with animals and wish to pursue a career working in this field.

"As a family we produce our own meat and sausages. We then sell it in the local butchers in Gelligaer and have recently invested in 37 Welsh weaners.

"Throughout the year we slaughter lambs and pigs which are also supplied to local butchers within a 10-mile radius of the farm.

"We use the local slaughterhouse which is five miles away and this cuts down on food miles and fuel costs. This has less impact on the carbon footprint and keeps the cost of production low. It also helps the local businesses to stay open."

During her first year at Pencoed College Harley-Blue did voluntary work teaching children with disabilities to ride horses. "College has given me many options to further my education which will hopefully enable me to pursue a successful career within the agricultural industry," she added.

FUW Glamorgan members, in consultation with members of Mr Rowlands's family, felt Harley-Blue's detailed and outstanding application thoroughly deserved the award.

FUW vice president Lorraine Howells, who presented the award to Harley-Blue along with Mrs Nesta Rowlands and her son Greg Rowlands, said: "The FUW are extremely keen to support budding young farmers through this award and as Harley-Blue is involved in working on the family farm, as well as continuing her studies in Pencoed College, she is the perfect candidate."

Fellow FUW vice president Brian Walters said: "Students like Harley-Blue are the future of Welsh farming especially as she is involved in all aspects, from producing their own meat on the farm to volunteering in the local agricultural shop, where the produce is sold, as well as gaining experience in the local veterinary surgery.

"Harley-Blue is an ambitious and capable student and we wish her all the best with her future studies."

The presentation evening was sponsored by EON and their representative David Foode made an informative and interesting presentation to members about cost-cutting methods on their electricity bills as well as ideas for diversification such as renewable energy options for farmers to consider.

The Farmers' Union of Wales today expressed concern at the potential effect Vion food group's intention to withdraw from its UK operation base could have on the meat production and processing sector in Wales.

Vion is a major purchaser of Welsh Lamb and beef and as well as employing over 12,000 full time equivalent employees across the UK, 3,491 are employed in their four sites across Wales including Anglesey, Merthyr Tydfil and Sandycroft, Flintshire.

FUW livestock, wool and marts committee chairman Dafydd Roberts said: "This announcement will result in uncertainty for the farming industry in Wales who need to know that they participate in a stable supply chain.

"This uncertainty comes as farmers are already facing a winter with high input costs due to a poor growing season. The FUW stresses the need for Vion to provide stability and certainty whilst divesting of its operations in Wales, with no disruption to the supply chain or loss of jobs to the Welsh economy."

Mr Roberts, a beef and sheep farmer on Anglesey, said the move was disappointing, particularly as there had been hopes for further investment at the company's operations on the island. "If they were to close it would be a blow for the whole Welsh meat industry.

"If we lose one of the big ones like Vion then others might take advantage of the farmers. We are quite disappointed they are selling up because we were told they would be improving Anglesey."

Mr Roberts added that the options available to red meat producers in Wales in terms of processing facilities are limited. "The Vion abattoir and processing plants are important elements of the supply chain, enabling farmers in Wales to access supermarket outlets for quality Welsh beef, lamb and poultry products.

"It is essential for the industry to ensure that these routes to market are secured for the long term and the FUW looks forward to hearing of a positive outcome to the Vion UK sales negotiations."

Free professional advice on issues such as rent reviews, tenancy rights, compulsory purchase, renewable energy and rural property will be available to farmers visiting the Farmers' Union of Wales stand at this year's Royal Welsh Winter Fair at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells on Monday and Tuesday November 26-27.

Principal Philip Meade and fellow team members Eifion Bibby and Kathryn Lewis, of Davis Meade Property Consultants, will be available for a free face-to-face consultation on the FUW stand in the Livestock Complex Hall 1 during the event.

"This will be an ideal opportunity for farmers to get an independent opinion on issues that are of concern to them," said Mr Meade.

"Whether it's a simple question on a compensation claim, a more complex tenancy matter or help with a property sale or inheritance tax planning we will be pleased to help."

Drop in on the FUW stand at the Winter Fair or contact Davis Meade Property Consultants on 01691 659658, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.