Deputy agriculture minister Alun Davies and S4C Fferm Ffactor winner Aled Rees will be the guest speakers at the Farmers' Union of Wales Denbigh county branch annual general meeting on Friday November 9 at the Brookhouse Mill, Denbigh.

The meeting will start at 7.30pm prompt and Mr Davies will discuss various topics including CAP reform discussions, Glastir agri-environmental scheme and bovine TB while Cardigan farmer Mr Rees, winner of the first series of Fferm Ffactor in 2009, will give an insight into the series as a competitor and, more recently, a judge.

In addition, he will talk of the way he and his wife, in partnership with his uncle, have developed their farming business over the years.

FUW Denbigh and Flint county executive officer Rhys Roberts said: "It is hoped that a good turnout of members will ensure the speakers are provided with plenty of challenging questions on all matters agricultural.

"It is important that when we get an opportunity to engage with the deputy minister we grab it with both hands and make sure that the views of the grassroots farmers in Wales are heard."

Farmers coming to the end of their transitional agri-environment agreements were today urged by the Farmers' Union of Wales to start thinking about their Glastir applications.

To ensure they are not left in a vacuum between the ending of their existing contracts and the beginning of the new, farmers should be starting to consider whether they need to obtain an application form, or book a consultant to visit the farm, to help assess the necessary points required to enter the scheme.

"Farmers who wish to be considered for the Glastir Advanced Element in addition to the basic scheme should ensure that their applications are submitted as early as possible in 2013 to allow time for the necessary farm visits and contracts to be drawn up," said FUW deputy director of agricultural policy Rhian Nowell-Phillips.

"There is also likely to be great demand for the services of farm consultants next year as many farmers come to the end of their transitional arrangements and so we are urging farmers to think ahead now and contact Farming Connect or their own advisers to ensure that they are able to submit their applications in sufficient time," she added.

The Farmers' Union of Wales today expressed it disappointment that the ten non-executive directors appointed to the new body replacing Environment Agency Wales, Countryside Council for Wales and Forestry Commission Wales lacks representation from the farming industry.

FUW land use and parliamentary committee chairman, Anglesey farmer Gavin Williams, said: "In principle we supported the need for a more streamlined approach to regulating the environment in Wales but we remain concerned that delivery on the ground is properly maintained.

"We had hoped the ethos of the new body would be to work constructively with farmers to deliver environmental benefits for all but, unfortunately, it appears it will be top heavy with academics and public sector appointees and far too little representation from the agricultural industry.

"Given the important contribution made by all private sector businesses to the rural economy, we are also disappointed that there is a complete lack of representation from the private sector as well as the forestry sector”.

Environment minister John Griffiths revealed the new body will be known as Natural Resources Wales or Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru and it will be crucial to a sustainable future for the people, environment and economy of Wales.

“Not only will the new body result in a more streamlined way of working for the benefit of its customers, it will also ensure more effective delivery, improved value for money and better outcomes for the people of Wales,” he added.

Mr Williams added: "Based on the aspirations set out by the ministers in his announcement earlier today and the lack of farmer, private sector and forestry representation on the Board of Natural Resources Wales, there will have to be a significant amount of bridge building between the Body and the rural industries".

An open evening for farmers to discuss the environment and planning for the future will be held by the Farmers’ Union of Wales Gwent branch at Abergavenny Rugby Club on Tuesday October 30 at 7.30pm.

The meeting will give them the opportunity to hear presentations by Nicola Salter, from Environment Agency Wales, on “Environment Agency and the Farmer” and a representative from solicitors Hugh James & Co will talk about “Planning For The Future”.

FUW Gwent county executive officer Glyn Davies said: “We are looking forward to an evening where farmers can ask questions on the role of Environment Agency Wales in relation to farming, cross compliance issues, slurry and fuel store regulations and hear about succession law, the potential pitfalls and how they could affect farming business.

“The session with Hugh James & Co will also provide information on how to take steps to avoid common pitfalls. Please telephone FUW Gwent county office to confirm attendance on 01873 853280.”