NFU report highlights contribution of farming
I’M sure you don’t need me to tell you all about the results of the recent General Election, but it would be remiss of me not to mention it. NFU Cymru has written to new Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Michael Gove stating the importance of Welsh agriculture. We look forward to meeting with Mr Gove and working together to ensure Welsh and British farming’s voice is heard loud and clear.
Now more than ever, we need to highlight our worth as an industry to Wales. Most of the support farmers receive from the Welsh Government is distributed in the local rural community, whether it be through feed and seed merchants or contractors and mechanics. We are the axis around which rural communities thrive and if farmers are struggling then so are the rural businesses reliant on our custom.
As well as the food we produce, the agricultural industry delivers so much more for Wales’ social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing. NFU Cymru has spent a considerable amount of time collating a report, titled Farming: Bringing Wales Together, which highlights how the industry contributes to each point set out in the Welsh Government’s Well-Bring of Future Generations Act. The report and accompanying video encompass the essence of the farming industry and highlights how it contributes to daily life in Wales.
The report featured 14 farmers and agricultural businesses from all over the country and highlighted how what they do contributes to the future wellbeing of Wales. I urge you all to have a look at both the project and the video by visiting the NFU Cymru website at www.nfu-cymru.co.uk, by visiting the Facebook page @ NFUCymruOnline or the twitter page @NFUCymru.
Finally, I was pleased to hear of Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths’ pragmatic decision to allow the use of isolation facilities alongside the newly implemented quarantine units in Wales until September 11. This decision came after unified representations were made by a number of agricultural stakeholders, and myself and other NFU Cymru colleagues met with Cabinet Secretary and Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales Christianne Glossop.
The decision means those wishing to attend livestock shows and move stock for breeding over the summer months may continue to do so. For more information regarding quarantine units, visit the NFU Cymru website.