NFU Cymru met with the new Environment and Rural Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Lesley Griffiths AM, for the first time yesterday.
The role Welsh food and farming plays in delivering jobs, growth and investment to the economy of Wales was the main topic of conversation.
In a positive meeting NFU Cymru was delighted that the Cabinet Secretary fully recognised the importance of the sector to the Welsh economy and the huge potential of the industry.
Speaking after the meeting NFU Cymru President Stephen James said: "We highlighted the role of farming in directly employing 60,000 people in Wales, generating a gross output of nearly £1.5bn.
"Farming is the cornerstone of the £6bn food supply chain which employs in total around 18% of the Welsh workforce and the axis around which rural communities thrive.
"Whilst I am confident for our long term future we cannot hide from the fact that presently the industry is under pressure as a result of a global downturn in commodity prices.
"Welsh Government cannot influence global markets but there are a number of areas where it can help Welsh farmers."
Welsh food in Welsh public services
Mr James continued: "We want to see increasing amounts of Welsh food served in Welsh schools, hospitals, prisons and to troops in Wales.
"Government can play a leading role in making this happen, ensuring that greater emphasis is made on PGI status and assurance standards when purchasing decisions are being made by public bodies."
Mr James impressed on the Cabinet Secretary the need to ensure that all remaining Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments are made without further delay.
He said: "I am particularly concerned at the continued delay in 2015 BPS payments for many of our cross border farmers, this matter must be urgently addressed.
"Looking forward, Governments both side of the Wales / England border, must work to ensure that this matter is resolved to prevent any repeat in these payment delays for future years.
"Bovine TB continues to cast a dark cloud over our cattle industry, latest figures show a 27% year on year increase in the number of TB reactors, we asked the Cabinet Secretary to look at best practice from across the world with a view to implementing a comprehensive TB eradication strategy for Wales."
Wales Rural Development Programmme
NFU Cymru Deputy President, John Davies, highlighted the potential of the Wales Rural Development Programme in helping to achieve our vision of a productive, profitable and progressive industry in Wales.
He asked the Cabinet Secretary to consider introducing, without delay, a small grant scheme to support investment on farm in new equipment and technology, ensuring that the scheme is easily accessible so as to facilitate widespread uptake.
In conclusion Stephen James said: "NFU Cymru was pleased to meet Lesley Griffiths AM so soon after her appointment and we are delighted with the positive nature of our discussions and the enthusiasm the Cabinet Secretary has about her new portfolio.
"We have significant challenges ahead of us but also the opportunity to further increase our contribution to the economy of Wales and we look forward to discussing these in more detail in the coming weeks."
