Sourcing of locally produced food for Monmouthshire's schools and the future of the County Council's one remaining livestock market are two key local issues that NFU Cymru's Monmouthshire members will tackle with potential councillors in the run-up to June's local elections.
Ruth Edwards, NFU Cymru's County Chairman in Monmouthshire has called on all local farmers to lobby potential councillors on these two key local issues.
She said, "It is a false economy on behalf of local authorities to source food from the cheapest possible location, I would urge Monmouthshire County Council to do all it can within the current EU regulations to ensure that our schoolchildren are fed quality farm assured food from local farms."
Increasing the proportion of locally sourced produce to the County's schoolchildren would bring three key benefits to the County according to the Chairman. These are:
* A healthier diet of fresh high quality produce for schoolchildren
* Economic benefits to local farmers and food companies through a potential major new market on the doorstep More Follows...
* Environmental rewards through a reduction in the use of fossil fuels used to transport food into schools in the County.
Mrs Edwards continued, "It is also vital that the continued uncertainty over the future of Abergavenny Livestock Market is clarified. The market provides an invaluable service to farmers in the county and beyond. Before you pledge your vote to any potential Councillor ensure that they support our campaign to preserve the centuries old system of livestock auctioneering in Monmouthshire."
Both issues, which are the direct responsibility of Monmouthshire County Council were discussed at a recent meeting of the NFU Cymru Monmouthshire Branch members which was held in Usk.
