The first farmers to be truly green
‘TODAY’S PRODUCERS WANT TO LEAVE FARMS IN BETTER STATE THAN PREVIOUS GENERATIONS’
TODAY’S Welsh farmers are ready and willing to be the first generation to leave the environment better than they found it, according to NFU Cymru.
Not only do they have “unique knowledge and perspective” on what needs doing, they take their environmental responsibilities very seriously – and in many cases are already putting it into practice.
A Sustainable Farming conference organised by NFU Cymru heard that farmers were natural custodians of the environment, from boosting biodiversity to addressing climate change.
Already the industry has set a target of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Union president John Davies said that with farming occupying over 80% of Wales, agriculture represented a ready-made green workforce with intimate local know-how.
“The countryside needs us,” he insisted. “As farmers, we want to rise to society’s environmental challenge to be the first generation to leave the environment better off than how we found it.
“That is no reflection or criticism on previous generations.
“I am extremely proud of their legacy and what they have achieved.
“However, over time science and knowledge has changed.
“The challenge of feeding an ever growing world population has not.
“In short we need to produce more but impact less.”
The event, at Pentre Farm near Brecon, was organised before Cardiff launched its revamped Brexit and our Land proposals for future farm payments.
While these have scrapped the planned Public Goods scheme, conservation remains key and the industry wants to show it is up for the challenge – providing food production is safeguarded.
Only if farming is economically viable can it carry out the work required, from enhancing landscapes to improving soil and water quality, said NFU Cymru.
As a show of its intentions, the union has launched a new Sustainable Agriculture Award (see panel).
This offers a £500 prize to a union member who enhances their farm whilst producing top quality food.
Candidates must also demonstrate a contribution to rural communities and Welsh culture.