As part of the virtual Royal Welsh Show, the Farmers’ Union of Wales is hosting a seminar to explore the lessons the Coronavirus pandemic has taught us when it comes to food and our supply chains, what measures need to be put in place to safeguard food producers and consumers and examine if local strategies with a global outlook are the key to food security.

Joining the virtual conversation on Tuesday 21 July are Carmarthen County Council Corporate Policy & Partnership Manager, Gwyneth Ayers;  Principal Investigator of IKnowFood Professor Bob Doherty; Cardiff University Professor of Governance and Development Kevin Morgan and Food and Drink Wales Deputy Head of Food David Morris.  

FUW President Glyn Roberts, who is chairing the event, said: “The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Welsh food producers and the dangers of trade and rural support policies which undermine UK food security have starkly come to the fore over recent months.

“Covid-19 hit all sectors of life and was met with panic buying and empty supermarket shelves. However, it wasn’t luxury items that the general public rushed to get their hands on but the essentials like food. 

“For many years the FUW has stressed that food security is an issue that needs desperate attention and the last few months have served to illustrate such concerns. I therefore look forward to discussing these and some other very pertinent issues with our panel of experts and hope many of you will join us online for this webinar.”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales made a commitment at the Royal Welsh Show in 2017 to keep the spotlight on mental health issues for as long as it remains a problem in rural communities. Approaching the fourth year of awareness raising and doing everything it takes to help break the stigma, the Union is keeping the conversation going - online. 

FUW deputy president Ian Rickman said: “Under normal circumstances we would have held a seminar at the Royal Welsh Show, but given the circumstances - the conversation is moving online. We will be hosting a virtual seminar, where we explore what has changed, how far we have come and what issues still remain. I hope many of you will be joining us on the night to discuss the issue and share your experiences.” 

Titled ‘Mental Health- how are you doing?’, the event, as part of the virtual Royal Welsh Show, is screened on Thursday 23 July at 7pm.

Joining the panel are Emma Picton-Jones, founder of the DPJ Foundation, David Williams, Wales Regional Director for the Farming Community Network, Gareth Davies,Chief Executive Office, Tir Dewi and Suzy Deeley, Corporate Partnership Manager at RABI.

Speaking about the mental health situation in rural communities ahead of the event, David Williams, Wales Regional Director, Farming Community Network said: “Conversations around mental health are challenging, and in the farming community in particular, it can be especially difficult to open up about what you may be experiencing. Many of the common signs of mental ill-health can be missed when farmers are spending significant periods of time alone working and for long hours of the day. 

The Farmers’ Union of Wales is looking forward to a busy virtual Royal Welsh Show, with a host of seminars focussing on food supply chains, rural connectivity, the insurance sector, mental health and knowledge exchange opportunities.

Speaking ahead of the event, FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “We are delighted to be a part of the virtual show. The Royal Welsh Show has always been the pinnacle event in the farming calendar and whilst things are not happening the way they normally would this year, we applaud the Show for its progressiveness in taking the event into the virtual world.

“Throughout the week the Union is hosting a variety of seminars, just like we would during the show and I’m looking forward to the wide range of conversations that are going to take place online.I hope many of you will be able join us and take part.”

Seminars arranged by the FUW and joining details are:

Farmers from across Wales have come together online for a succession planning event hosted by RDP Law in conjunction with the Farmers' Union Wales.

Leading the conversation was Sioned Thomas, head of the Agricultural and Private Client departments at RDP Law. Sioned began the session by outlining the importance of bringing the family together to discuss the future of the farm. Sioned went on to outline common aspects of succession planning such as partnership agreements, wills, and lasting powers of attorney. The reality of dying intestate (without a Will) was also covered.

The interactive session soon moved to a question and answer round, with many attendees looking to ask Sioned questions about their own situations.