The Farmers’ Union of Wales has cautiously welcomed measures introduced to aid the dairy industry, which has been impacted severely by the closure of the food services sector and the realignment of the supply chain and market prices.

The temporary easing of competition laws, which apply across the whole of the UK, is hoped to enable greater collaboration so the dairy sector, including dairy farmers and processors, can work closer to solve the issues it is facing.

The temporary suspension of competition laws for the dairy sector was one of the options the FUW discussed with the Rural Affairs Minister as part of the Agricultural Resilience Group.

Responding to the announcement, FUW Milk and Dairy Committee chairman Dai Miles said: “This is a welcome step in the right direction. It will allow for a more accurate picture of the volumes of milk out there, which processors wanted. It will allow them to collaborate. 

“However its effect on farmers could be negative and other support measures must be put in place urgently. Of course, we need a more accurate knowledge of surplus milk but with that comes the danger of it having a negative effect on the spot prices - which a lot of dairy farmers are dependent on. 

“So as welcome as this announcement is, when accompanied by good will on the part of companies, there is a risk it will play into the hands of those companies least affected . Unless this knowledge is used to implement a compensated volume reduction scheme, it could cause more harm than good.”

At half past three, let everything stop for tea. The old tradition of ‘afternoon tea’ or ‘high tea’ has seen a revival over recent years, making it a popular treat for many.

With restaurants, hotels and cafes remaining closed due to the on-going Covid-19 crisis, the Farmers’ Union of Wales Milk and Dairy Produce committee is encouraging the public to bring the experience into their own homes.

“We all enjoy afternoon tea as a special treat. Either in a country house, posh hotel or in cafes across the country. But of course, all our usual options of enjoying the cakes, sandwiches, and other treats seem out of reach for the time being.

“So why not host your own afternoon tea party at home? Bring out the scones and clotted cream, fresh cream cakes, old teapots and fine china. You could even get the children involved in making the cakes and sandwiches. 

“Not only does it keep them busy for a while, provide an opportunity to come together as a family and enjoy a special occasion at home, it also helps our dairy farmers,” said FUW Milk and Dairy Produce Committee chairman Dai Miles. 

Those working from home are also encouraged to take regular breaks away from their desks and put the kettle on.

“These are difficult times for everyone and some might find working from home stressful. The usual routine of getting a coffee before work or at lunch time from your favourite cafe is not an option right now, but why not put the kettle on and make your favourite coffee or tea at home. 

“The benefits of including milk and dairy in our diets are well documented and what better way to take a break from paperwork than with a steaming hot cup of tea or a milky coffee,” added Mr Miles.

‘Be adventurous, be brave and try a new cut of PGI Welsh Lamb and Beef’ - that was the message from Farmers’ Union of Wales President Glyn Roberts as the on-going Covid-19 crisis plays havoc with the industry.

With increasing changes to consumer buying behaviour and the Welsh beef and lamb sector suffering from the closure of restaurants and cafes because of the Coronavirus situation, shoppers are encouraged to bring the eating-out experience home. 

“These are very strange times and it is difficult for everyone. Our dairy industry is already feeling the brunt of coffee shops and cafes being closed and our beef and lamb sector is not far behind. 

“Whilst we have seen an increase in people buying red meat in either supermarkets or from their local butcher shops, the type of meat that has been selling was mainly mince and diced cuts. It’s becoming a problem for carcass balance as the cuts of meat we normally eat in restaurants are not being used.

“I therefore ask our shoppers to be adventurous and brave - bring that eating out experience to your homes. Have a steak night in with some fantastic PGI Welsh beef or try making your own curry with PGI Welsh lamb. There are some great recipes out there, which are easy to follow and even provide a chance to get the whole family involved in making dinner.

“If you have some spare time on your hands whilst you’re in lockdown, why not use that time to cook up a storm, using our fine, sustainably produced Welsh ingredients.”  

The Farmers’ Union of Wales is urging farmers to keep their children safe on farms during these unprecedented times, whilst many are at home during the Coronavirus lockdown.

FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “Having raised my children on a farm, I know that farms are wonderful places for children to grow up - our farms are wonderful places to learn about independence, responsibility and of course how our food is produced. 

“But farms and farmyards are not playgrounds. They are places of work and they are dangerous. During these extraordinary times, with schools closed and parents having to juggle more than ever, we must make every effort to keep our children safe.

“Children are curious, they will find ways of getting into things that you might not think were possible or up things that you might not even consider worth climbing up on. Or they will just appear behind your tractor, run out in front of your quad bike or pay a visit to that friendly cow that has just calved.

“Farms can be dangerous places for everyone, not just children, but children are put at great risk of injury when playing, visiting or helping out around the farm. I therefore urge you to make every effort to keep them safe - the stress, pain and worry if they get injured would be devastating.”