Pembrokeshire MP hears local farmers' fustrations

NFU Cymru members from Pembrokeshire made their frustrations about the low returns in the dairy sector known to Stephen Crabb the Member of Parliament for Preseli Pembrokeshire during a local farm visit recently.

Stephen Crabb MP was invited by NFU Cymru to Cefn y Dre Farm near Fishguard to learn more about the issues facing dairy farmers in south west Wales. Stephen recently secured a debate in Westminster on dairying and was very grateful for the invitation to James Cornock's 220 dairy herd farm to develop his knowledge further and meet NFU Cymru members.

Speaking at the meeting, NFU Cymru newly elected Pembrokeshire Chairman, Andrew Davies said, "The UK and Wales in particular has one of the most efficient dairy sectors in the northern hemisphere. If we cannot make a reasonable return on our businesses then clearly something is wrong. We happen to be a long way from our processors and customers and if we loose the critical mass of dairying in west Wales then the light could go out on the industry very quickly here.

"We are one of the most heavily regulated industries in a heavily regulated country, it is increasingly difficult for us to compete with countries where the burden of regulation is considerably less. Our politicians must listen to us when we say enough regulation is enough."

NFU Cymru members also took the opportunity to raise other issues with Stephen Crabb including Bovine TB, sheep ID and the future of energy crops in Wales.