Correction: Farm sales story 18/1

A PRODUCTION error in last week’s Mail saw portions of the page 4 story, “Selling off farms could result in ‘severe consequences”, unintentionally omitted.

The article should have carried the full statement by Anglesey’s FUW representative.

The omitted portion should have read: “The island’s Farmers Union of Wales representative has described the decision as ‘concerning’ and a stumbling block for those hoping for a career in agriculture.”

Their county executive officer for Anglesey, Heidi Williams, said: “Council farms provide a stepping stone for our young people to get into the industry and whilst we appreciate the financial difficulties councils find themselves in, selling off their holdings does nothing to support those who want to get started in the industry.”

She added: “If we want to ensure that Wales develops its full potential in being a rural economic powerhouse, we must make it attractive for working families to stay.

“Agriculture can play a huge part in making that happen, given the amount of jobs it has to offer.

“However, there are issues that need to be addressed. If rural depopulation is not urgently addressed it could have severe consequences for our communities and the rural economy.”

We apologise to readers for any inconvenience.