In response to reports of land being bought up in Wales for the purpose of tree planting and carbon sequestration, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) hosted a well received webinar on 19 January titled ‘Preventing Wales' Corporate Carbon Land Grab: Balancing carbon, trees and rural communities’.
Chaired by FUW Policy Officer, Teleri Fielden, the webinar gave an insight into the situation in Wales.
As part of Wales’ route to Net Zero, the Welsh Government has set an ambitious target of planting an additional 180,000 hectares (ha) with trees by 2050 and to improve woodland management. This is equivalent to 10% of Welsh farmland.
Mrs Fielden explained that the future value of carbon offsets is also driving afforestation and land purchases. However, the current carbon market is voluntary therefore private companies can purchase carbon credits without having to reduce their emissions in the first instance.
The Farmers’ Union of Wales is once again joining forces with the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) to showcase the important role farmers play when it comes to looking after farmland birds, as well as helping farmers understand what they can do on their farms to protect birds.
The Meirionnydd Branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales is putting the spotlight on the future at its annual general meeting which will be held by Zoom on Friday 28 January at 7.30pm.
A traditional cooked breakfast is one of the best ways to highlight the quality of Welsh farm produce and it is a great opportunity to talk and share your thoughts before starting the day.
A traditional cooked breakfast is one of the best ways to highlight the quality of Welsh farm produce and it is a great opportunity to talk and share your thoughts before starting the day.