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. 

Farmers are being urged to remember the hedge cutting regulations which are in place as part of cross compliance to avoid a penalty on their BPS payment.

FUW Deputy President Ian Rickman said: “Most farmers will remember that they are not allowed to cut trees or hedges between 1 March to 31 August. If they don’t comply with the rules, they could face a hefty cross compliance penalty on their BPS payment which is avoidable.

“There are exceptions to the standard rule, but only if the conditions are met can you start cutting early or late. You can also carry out hedge laying and coppicing during March providing nesting birds are not disturbed. We however urge our members to make sure they don’t fall foul by accident.”

Other exemptions include the cutting of hedgerows or trees that overhang a highway, road, track or footpath to which the public have access, where the work is necessary because the overhanging vegetation either obstructs the passage of vehicles or pedestrians; obstructs the view of drivers, or the light from a public lamp; or there is a danger to horse-riders.

Farmers are also allowed to cut or trim hedgerows and trees if they are dead, diseased, damaged or insecurely rooted, and are therefore likely to cause a danger by falling onto a highway, road or footpath.

“I would also urge our members to remember that for safety reasons electricity and telephone companies are responsible for the maintenance of any overhanging trees and/or hedges which affect their equipment,” said Ian Rickman.

A farming family from the the Cwm Nantcol valley in Meirionnydd has spoken out about their concerns for the future of agriculture, when they met with Meirion Dwyfor MP Liz Saville Roberts.

Welcoming the local MP to their hill farm, Graig Isa, Cwm Nantcol, near Llanbedr, Alun and Moria Jones stressed that family farms like theirs could be a thing of the past if frameworks are not put in place to protect the industry.

The Jones family keep a flock of 700 Welsh Mountain Ewes on their farm which extends to approximately 700 hectares, with the vast majority of the land being rugged, mountain land.

Walking around the farm, Alun Jones said: “We are concerned about the future direction of the agricultural industry. Without support and loss of markets for our lambs, family farms such as ours will not be able to keep going. The UK Government must make sure that our home market is working properly and fairly and it is absolutely essential that unfair competition between producers in different parts of the UK is prevented.”

Over the years the farm has benefited from agri-environment schemes. It joined Tir Cymen when Meironnydd was chosen to pilot the scheme in the early 1990’s, and thereafter was part of the Tir Gofal scheme. It is now in the Glastir scheme and also Glastir Organic.

The family also has a Hydro scheme, which was established approximately 2 years ago, in a bid to diversify and guarantee a separate source of income.

“Diversification is a necessity on many farms and generating alternative energy is something we can do - it helps in producing clean energy and provides a bit of extra income for the farm. Given that things are as uncertain as they are - we all have to think outside the box and as farmers we are more than happy to do our bit for the environment. But it is important that we have adequate infrastructure to facilitate similar diversification enterprises in future and that the work we do is properly recognised,” said Alun.

FUW Meirionnydd county chairman Sion Ifans added: “Our industry is facing unprecedented time, there are plenty of opportunities but there are also some challenges ahead. “That’s why we must ensure the UK Government sets global tariff rates for key agricultural commodities such as beef and dairy products at the same level as those applied by the EU. It is so important that they work with the other UK administrations to place the protection of farming families and rural communities at the centre of a common framework which minimises unfair competition and market distortion, while respecting devolution.”