Forum events give a voice to women working inWales’ agricultural sector

TWO of Wales’ most iconic attractions – Portmeirion and Cardigan Castle – will provide the stage for an event that highlights the many women working within the agricultural industry in Wales.

The line-up of speakers at this year’s Women in Agriculture Forums will be headed by Ceredigion farmer’s daughter Fflur Sheppard.

Ms Sheppard was recently headhunted by leading communications company Beattie Communications after spearheading B&Q’s campaign to rebuild trust in the brand and its employee relationships.

She will be joined by Nuffield scholar and farmer Holly Beckett, who has helped grow her family’s fourth-generation Midlands farm to include a farm shop, restaurant, cookery school and conference facilities. Also present will be representatives from two Welsh police forces, who will talk about agricultural cyber crime.

Eirwen Williams, director of rural programmes with Menter a Busnes, which delivers Farming Connect on behalf of the Welsh Government, said that the aim of the events is to encourage women to drive forward change and innovation within farming, particularly as businesses find themselves facing the uncertainties of Brexit.

“Women play a key role in many farm businesses and rural enterprises in Wales, and there has never been a more important time to make sure their voices are heard,” said Ms Williams.

The forums will bring women together and offer them an opportunity to network and create new contacts within the Welsh agricultural industry.

Attendees will also participate in three facilitated workshops.

This year’s Women in Agriculture Forums will be held at Portmeirion on September 19 and Cardigan Castle on September 21. Both events will run from 10am-4pm.