‘THE FINEST FOOD FROM THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LAND’

THE farming industry in Wales is “overwhelmingly likely” to have tariff free trade access to EU markets after Brexit is finalised, it has been claimed at the Royal Welsh Show.

The secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs, Michael Gove, made the announcement on a visit to the showground in Llanelwedd earlier this week.

Mr Gove met with NFU Cymru staff and Alun Cairns MP, the secretary of state for Wales, to discuss the major issues that could affect the Welsh farming industry in future.

“We cautiously welcome the comments made from Mr Gove and his optimism around future trading relationships with the EU,” said NFU Cymru president John Davies.

“However, Welsh farmers will be waiting anxiously for more concrete assurances and clarity on these statements before pushing on with decisions that will influence the future direction of their businesses.

“We are most grateful to Mr Gove and Mr Cairns for giving up their time to meet with us. Our meeting provided us with the opportunity to stress that farmers in Wales have a real hunger and desire to be the best in the world and they are up for this challenge provided they are given the right conditions to prosper in the future.

“If Mr Gove’s positive comments at the Royal Welsh Show come to fruition that gives the industry a good platform to drive on and succeed.”

Following discussions on the future of the industry, Mr Gove and Mr Cairns both signed the NFU Cymru’s #WeAreWelshFarmers pledge board at the Royal Welsh Show.

Mr Cairns wrote “The highest standards and the greatest diversity and the cleanest environment”, while Mr Gove scribed “The finest food from the most beautiful land”.