Farmers’ union states its case to new Environment Minister at Llanelwedd

NFU Cymru officials had their first meeting with newly appointed Minister for the Environment Hannah Blythyn at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair in Llanelwedd.

They highlighted the union’s vision for a productive, progressive and profitable Welsh farming industry and set out its framework for future domestic agricultural policy around the three cornerstones of volatility, productivity and environment measures.

NFU Cymru also used the opportunity to highlight the #EnvironmentalSuccess social media campaign that showcased Welsh farmers’ efforts to maintain and enhance the environment and landscape alongside their food production role.

NFU Cymru president Stephen James said: “Hannah has a broadranging role and will provide invaluable support to the Cabinet Secretary Lesley Griffiths across many policy areas highly relevant to farming going forward.

“We were pleased to share our vision for a future domestic agricultural policy with the Minister. We are clear that environmental measures form one of three central cornerstones of future policy.

“We emphasised that all farmers in Wales, wherever they are located, have the potential and should have the opportunity to deliver a range of environmental goods and services for which they should be fairly rewarded. Future environmental measures should have a greater focus on outcomes moving forward.

“We believe Wales has an extremely positive story to tell in terms of our natural environment, resources and the crucial role that farmers play in maintaining and enhancing our rich and varied countryside.

“In the context of Brexit, there are significant opportunities for our environment and landscape to underpin the development of a strong brand for Wales based around high-quality products and services produced in a sustainable way.”