'Farming industry must drive research agenda', says NFU Cymru

“In Wales, we need a competitive and sustainable agriculture sector that is able to increase productivity whilst improving resource efficiency so that it achieves more from less" says the NFU
“In Wales, we need a competitive and sustainable agriculture sector that is able to increase productivity whilst improving resource efficiency so that it achieves more from less" says the NFU

“NFU Cymru’s vision of a productive, profitable and progressive Welsh agricultural industry must be underpinned by industry-driven research together with investment support for all farmers in Wales for the deployment of innovative practices and technologies at the farm level,” that was the message from NFU Cymru LFA Board Chairman, John Owen, at today’s launch of the NFU Cymru Upland Research Paper at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair.

The Upland Research Paper is the result of an NFU Cymru LFA Board workshop in which future research and development priorities for the uplands were identified. The aim of the workshop was to bridge the gap that exists between science and practice and it is hoped that the Paper will influence the research agendas of leading institutions and the priorities of research and development funders going forward.

Speaking at the launch, LFA Board Chairman John Owen said, “In Wales approximately 80% of agricultural land is currently designated Less Favoured Area (LFA). Almost 92% of breeding ewes, over 80% of non-dairy females aged two or more years and approximately 60% of dairy females, are located on LFA farms.

“In the context of the future challenges to our global food production system, which include a growing world population, increasing demand for meat and dairy products, greater competition for land, water and energy and the increasing impact of climate change, the need for farmers to be more engaged in shaping the agricultural research agenda has never been greater.”

Mr Owen added, “In Wales, we need a competitive and sustainable agriculture sector that is able to increase productivity whilst improving resource efficiency so that it achieves more from less. Investment in agri-science with a focus on applied research, that is relevant to industry needs and knowledge exchange, is crucial and it is a key priority for NFU Cymru to ensure that research is practical and relevant for farmers.

“Farmers, as practitioners, are very well placed to understand their research needs. The list of research themes identified at the workshop was wide and varied and included:

• Low input grass varieties that are suited to the uplands

• Genetics to deliver animal health and welfare benefits through enhanced disease resistance

• Improved feed efficiency from grass-based systems

Mr Owen concluded, “In undertaking this valuable work we are very pleased to have had the guidance and support of Dr Prysor Williams of Bangor University who played a pivotal role in facilitating the process of pro-active engagement between researchers and producers. NFU Cymru now plans to distribute the Upland Research Paper to academic institutions and other organisations with an interest in agricultural research and development, including funders.”

Dr Prysor Williams said, “I really enjoyed the opportunity to work with the NFU Cymru LFA Board on this exercise. Any progressive industry needs to invest in research, but that research needs to be focussed in the right areas. It is therefore more important than ever that farmers, scientists and policy-makers talk to one another to identify those win–win actions that benefit the agriculture sector, the environment and wider society.”