A farming family from South Wales has shared concerns about the future of farming with local MP Alun Cairns in light of the ongoing uncertainty on trade deals, food imports and the lack of frameworks in the UK.

Gaynor and Rhodri Davies moved from West Wales in 1995 to Rosedew Farm, Llantwit Major, and have set up a number of businesses to diversify and compliment the farm. With their three children, they run a number of businesses on the farm.

There is a 295 strong herd consisting of many breeds including Aberdeen Angus, Hereford Cross, Saler and British Blues. The home bred beef is slaughtered at the local slaughterhouse Maddock and brought back to the farm to supply another business The Farmers Pantry Butchers with shops in Llantwit Major and Pugh’s Garden Village in Radyr. Farmers Pantry also cater for another family run business - Rosedew Farm Wedding Venue.

With his son Dafi-Sion, Rhodri grows a variety of crops on the farm including sugar beet, wheat, barley, maize, potatoes as well as hay/silage. Rhodri and Gaynor also own and manage Acorn Campsite and hire many local people to work here. 

Talking to the MP about the Agriculture Bill and food imports, Rhodri said: “We are very concerned that the Bill does nothing to ensure food imported to the UK meets UK standards - despite ministerial assurances that imported food would meet our standards.  

“We work very hard and to very strict rules and regulations. Some of the food that could land on our supermarket shelves will have been produced to standards that are illegal here. 

“It makes these food items far cheaper but it doesn’t protect our consumers and it also doesn’t protect us as food producers, who are committed to keeping up standards. 

“Our way of producing food in a safe and sustainable way must be protected.” 

Adding to their concerns of cheap food imports, is the lack of frameworks which would ensure a level playing field across the UK.

Gaynor says: “We need frameworks to keep the UK's 'home market' working properly and fairly. We will already have to compete with farmers in Europe so it is essential that this Government prevents unfair competition between producers in different parts of the UK.”

FUW Glamorgan County Chairman Richard Walkers added: “The Direct Payments to Farmers (Legislative Continuity) Order illustrates our fears: It removes the EU Pillar 1 financial ceilings mainly to allow Scotland to pay more money to farmers following Lord Bew’s review of payments. 

The Farmers’ Union of Wales has welcomed the ambitions of the Veterinary School which was launched in Aberystwyth today (28 February). 

The Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science forms part of the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences and will offer a new Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) degree offered jointly by Aberystwyth University and the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). 

Students on the course will have use of a new Veterinary Education Centre on Penglais Campus which represents and investment of £1 million and partly funded by alumni donations. The school will welcome its first students in 2021.  

Speaking after the launch, FUW Senior Policy Officer Dr Hazel Wright said: “We welcome this significant step forward in protecting and improving animal health in Welsh livestock. 

“The launch of this new vet school represents significant research and development into animal health issues of importance to the Welsh farming sector. It is hoped that the centre will provide an integrated approach to disease diagnosis and elimination. 

“This an exciting opportunity for the farming sector and we remain keen to work with members of the school to help safeguard livestock health, identify industry priorities, reduce losses and improve livestock performance through better health.”  

The FUW has repeatedly expressed concern about the shortage of large animal veterinary practitioners in Wales and the Union is therefore pleased to see the launch of this centre of veterinary expertise in mid-Wales. 

“Alongside providing research into livestock health, we hope that the programme will increase the veterinary skills base available to our members and will ultimately raise the number of veterinary professionals in Wales,” added Dr Wright. 

FUW Insurance Services Ltd (FUWIS) has appointed Guto Bebb as its new Managing Director.

Mr Bebb who hails from Caernarfon, Gwynedd is the ex-MP for Aberconwy and was previously an Under Secretary of State for Wales and the Minister for Defence Procurement. 

Before starting his political career Mr. Bebb was a business consultant and company director. His commercial experience stood him in good stead as a member of the Public Accounts Committee at Westminster and in managing the multi-million procurement budget of the Ministry of Defence.

In welcoming his appointment, Tom Jones, Chair of FUWIS, said: “It’s a great pleasure to have Guto on board. FUWIS is a growing company which provides key services to the agriculture sector in Wales. 

“With Guto at its head I’m confident that we will see that growth continuing. We pride ourselves on providing a high-quality service that is also close to our customers in their varied communities across Wales. We have found a new head who understands this basic relationship and will know how to build on that existing firm foundation.”

Glyn Roberts, President of the FUW (Farmers’ Union of Wales) added: “FUWIS’s services are a key component of the services that we as a Union offer to not only our members but to the rural community in its entirety. I know that Guto understands the agriculture sector in Wales and will know how to shape future services to meet their needs. I look forward greatly to working with him.”

Guto Bebb commented: “It’s good to be back amidst the business hubbub of Wales. This is a new exciting challenge which I look forward to embracing enthusiastically.”

Mr. Bebb will take on his new role at FUWIS on 6 April.

Farming charity R.A.B.I is once again releasing money from its Crisis Fund to provide emergency grants to farming families via its Helpline – 0808 281 9490.

Following the last two weekends of heavy storms and with more rainfall forecast, R.A.B.I has released an initial £50k to provide emergency payments to those affected by the impacts of the extreme weather across England and Wales.    

Alicia Chivers, R.A.B.I CEO, said: “Having already provided around £75k of emergency grant support to those affected by extreme wet weather this autumn / winter, we know how devastating the impacts are for farmers in both the immediate and longer-term.  Simplifying our criteria and application process means we can fast-track immediate assistance to affected farmers.

“These funds, whilst a relatively small element of the help we expect to provide over the
longer-term to those affected, can make a real difference dealing with urgent priorities – and help to alleviate pressing financial worries, allowing farmers to concentrate on dealing with the immediate impacts of the extreme weather.

“R.A.B.I understands that the effects of severe weather are both financial and emotional. We will be here to provide support for as long as it is needed by our community.  We will also continue to work closely with partner charities and other farming organisations to make sure help is available, both now and on an enduring basis.”

The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I) is the agricultural sector’s oldest and largest charity, offering support, practical care and guidance to farming people of all ages.

To apply for assistance, call R.A.B.I’s confidential Freephone Helpline 0808 281 9490.