George Eustice, the government minister for farming and food, took the opportunity to discuss about 'exciting opportunities' available to British agriculture at the Royal Welsh Show.
The UK Minister for Farming, Food and Marine Environment joined a NFU Cymru panel discussion this morning to talk about what's available to British agriculture after the EU Referendum leave vote.
He attended a special NFU Cymru debate entitled 'What could the UK departure from the EU mean for farmers in Wales?'
The panel discussion, which also featured NFU Cymru President Stephen James, Leader of the Conservative group at the National Assembly, Andrew RT Davies and NFU Cymru Policy Advisors, proved popular with NFU Cymru members, who filled the event marquee.
'A chance to think things through from first principle'
Speaking during the panel discussion, Mr Eustice said: "We’re going to work very closely with the NFU, NFU Cymru and NGOs to get their ideas.
"I know that the Union is about to launch their own consultation on what should be done and others are already thinking about it.
"I guess my challenge to the Union would be this – realise that this is a chance to think things through from the first principle; don’t cling on to the past and worry about how we keep some of what we’ve got.
"Think about embracing the future. If we are radical and think about things with a blank page and learn from lessons right around the world, I really think we can deliver a policy that is fit for purpose."
'Excellent to hear the right noises from Westminster'
NFU Cymru President Stephen James said: "It was excellent to meet with the Minister today and hear that the right noises are coming out of Westminster when it comes to supporting our farmers post-Brexit.
"It was also useful to be able to raise with the Minister of State, the issue of possible future trade relationships with Europe and the rest of the world, something that will ultimately have to be decided at a UK level.
"What I have impressed upon the Minister is the need to ensure that farmers continue to enjoy access to the single market for their produce, and that products, produced to lower standards than our own high standards of production, are not allowed to undermine domestic agriculture.
"NFU Cymru is set to undertake its largest ever consultation with members for what they would like to see for a future Welsh agricultural policy and we can assure the Minister that we will be ambitious and imaginative in our thinking when it comes to helping to shape the future of farming here in Wales."
Before leaving the Llanelwedd Showground, George Eustice MP also took the opportunity to learn more about NFU Cymru’s ‘It’s Time to Back Welsh Farming’ campaign by pledging his support for the initiative next to one of the campaign’s popular bale stickers.
