A Welsh Government decision to appoint extra farm liaison officers to improve geographical coverage and provide more farmers with easy access to information and guidance was welcomed by the Farmers' Union of Wales today.

The intention to recruit additional Farm Liaison Service staff was one of a series of commitments delivered by deputy agriculture minister Alun Davies in a Working Smarter (Better Regulation) update.

"Farm liaison officers have provided crucial support to Welsh farmers during the past 10 years and we welcome the deputy minister's announcement that a recruitment drive for more officers is already underway," said FUW president Emyr Jones.

"The FUW has consistently called for less government red tape so we are pleased that written communication to farmers will also improve following the issuing of new guidance calling on staff to avoid using technical terminology and jargon.

"We welcome the deputy minister's announcement that the Welsh Government website now includes a helpful and easy to follow checklist to ease concerns and ensure that farmers are able to prepare properly for a cross compliance inspection.

"We also approve of his commitment to farmers that they will receive an explanatory letter when their Single Payment Scheme (SPS) payment does not arrive at the expected time - due to an outstanding query - so that they are able to plan their finances accordingly.

"The need for such changes has been highlighted by the FUW repeatedly over the years, particularly during meetings with Gareth Williams who compiled the Working Smarter recommendations."

The deputy minister's update is available on-line at:http://wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/farmingandcountryside/farming/workingsmarter/workingsmartertable/?lang=en

The Farmers' Union of Wales - one of 12 organisations that have signed the On-Farm Health & Safety Charter for Wales - is joining forces with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Mid and West Wales Fire Service to get the health and safety message across to farmers at next week's Royal Welsh Show.

HSE and fire service staff will be in attendance at the FUW pavilion throughout the four days (July 23-26) of the show to provide advice and guidance to all those working in the agricultural industry.

Principal inspector for HSE in Wales Nick O'Connor said: "It is a sobering thought that although agriculture only represents about 1.4 per cent of the workforce, it accounts for up to 20 per cent of all reported work-related fatalities in Great Britain.

"It's important, though, to remember we still have one of the lowest rates of workplace deaths in Europe, but one death is still one too many.

"As we come to a busy time of year, and some may be tempted to take shortcuts, farmers need to spend time tackling the real dangers that they and their workers face.

"HSE invites farmers to visit them at the FUW pavilion so they can help them take sensible steps to control the health and safety risks in their business."

[caption id="attachment_3849" align="aligncenter" width="600"] SECTION SPONSORS: Welsh Black cattle at FUW president Emyr Jones's farm at Rhiwaedog, Rhosygwaliau, Bala.[/caption]

The Farmers' Union of Wales revealed today it is sponsoring the Welsh Black Cattle section at this year's Royal Welsh Show (July 23-26).

"Numerous prominent members of the union are Welsh Black breeders so it was a wonderful opportunity for us to sponsor this important livestock section when the previous sponsors withdrew their long-standing support," said FUW business development director Emyr James.

"Together with our extended and refurbished pavilion being opened during the show, it will undoubtedly raise the FUW's profile at Welsh agriculture's main shop window."

[caption id="attachment_3846" align="aligncenter" width="600"] PAVILION PROJECT: Architect’s 3D projection of the extended and refurbished FUW pavilion on the Royal Welsh Showground.[/caption]

A major redevelopment of the Farmers' Union of Wales pavilion on the Royal Welsh Showground will be officially opened by Lord Morris of Aberavon, the union's first deputy general secretary and legal adviser, during this year's show at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells.

The 30-year-old pavilion occupies a prime site alongside the main ring but in recent years it was proving to be too small to adequately accommodate the numerous activities and meetings taking place during the annual four-day show.

The redevelopment project includes a new two-storey rear extension which effectively doubles the amount of floor space of the present building.

The opportunity was also taken to provide new county offices for the union's Brecon and Radnor county staff and FUW Insurance area representatives in a modern setting.

The balcony at the front of the building has also been extended and covered to provide a modern look and make full use of the pavilion's prime position overlooking the non-stop main ring action.

The revamp will enable more meetings and activities to take part at the same time than previously and the building's facilities will be available for other organisations to hire during the rest of the year.

"The old pavilion has served us well since 1981 and it was high time for us to upgrade it," said FUW president Emyr Jones.

"The union has come a long way since our first presence at Llanelwedd in a large marquee surrounded by wooden panels.

"This ambitious redevelopment project vividly portrays the successful progress of the union over the past 56 years and its current popularity within Wales."