Flourishing farming sector vital to country
NFU CYMRU recently launched its manifesto ahead of the Senedd election taking place on May 6.
Given the ongoing restrictions brought about by the coronavirus pandemic and the challenges it poses from a logistical perspective, this manifesto has taken on a digital form with members from across Wales helping to bring our asks of the next Welsh Parliament and Welsh Government to life.
The virtual lobbying document features video case study contributions, in both Welsh and English, from members across the country which outline the aims and aspirations of Wales’ farmers and rural communities.
Among the priorities and issues highlighted are future support policy, bovine TB, water quality, the Wales Rural Development Programme, rural connectivity and public procurement.
The events of the last five years have been testing and turbulent in a way no-one could have foreseen.
First with the Brexit referendum in 2016 and then as 2020 began, we were hit with a global pandemic.
It is therefore absolutely crucial that the next Welsh Parliament and Welsh Government can set a pathway for a more prosperous Wales.
There is no doubt that a flourishing Welsh food and farming sector and thriving rural communities are an integral part of Wales reaching its full potential.
As Welsh farmers we are proud of the food we produce and how we look after the land, the crops we grow and the animals we care for.
Throughout these testing times, Wales’ farmers have shown themselves to be steadfast and resilient as they respond to the challenges before them.
They have got on with what they do best – producing the food that feeds the nation. It is vital that policy making should be directly influenced by the people it affects, and this is why we asked our members to contribute to this manifesto.
The video case studies bring to life the subjects and issues that have an everyday impact on their lives and businesses.
Their personal accounts provide a real insight into the opportunities and challenges facing farming businesses across Wales. They also encapsulate the ambition and enthusiasm for Welsh farming.
The issues raised by our members and their asks of the next Welsh Parliament are the best possible illustration of NFU Cymru’s vision for a productive, profitable and progressive Welsh farming industry and how, in turn, our sector can produce a wealth of benefits for the people and communities of Wales: ensuring a stable supply of high quality, climate friendly food; supporting Wales’ green economic recovery, allowing nature to thrive; whilst sustaining our rural communities and culture. These policies, if taken forward, would deliver growth and benefits not only for our countryside, but also for Wales more generally.
2021 is the first time that 16 and 17-year-olds are able to vote in Senedd elections here in Wales, meaning the next generation are able to have their say in the future of our country.
Wales YFC has a large number of members who will now be able to vote, giving them the chance to express their views on the future of their family businesses and rural communities, as well as future policy, through the ballot box.
As someone with a young daughter and son who both want to enjoy a career in agriculture, I think it is great that the next generation will be able to affect this election and have a say in who will lead Wales through the
next Senedd term.
NFU Cymru is hosting a national virtual hustings tomorrow at 7pm.
The event will give members the opportunity to hear the respective political parties’ policies for agriculture and allow them to ask questions on the issues that matter to them.
I urge you all to read the political party manifestos, as well as NFU Cymru’s election document, before the hustings to ensure you are well placed to scrutinise the candidates ahead of casting your votes on May 6.
■ To register for the hustings, please contact the NFU Cymru office on 01982 554200.
■ You can view NFU Cymru’s manifesto, in either Welsh or English by visiting the NFU Cymru website.