NFU Cymru Meets Members of the new Assembly

NFU Cymru members from across Wales met newly elected and returned Assembly Members yesterday during a packed reception, organised by the Union, in Cardiff Bay.

NFU Cymru President, Ed Bailey, Deputy President, Stephen James and Union officeholders, met with returned and newly elected AMs from across Wales during the event to discuss why farming matters to the Welsh economy and how the direction of Welsh Government will be vital if the industry is to deliver on both the business and environment agendas.

Ed Bailey said, "The purpose of our event was to introduce ourselves to new Assembly Members and to renew our acquaintance with those who were returned by the National Assembly for Wales last month. I hope this meeting between the Union and new AMs is the first of many opportunities for informed dialogue and to enable us to forge ahead with solutions to future challenges."

Over a third of Assembly Members took the opportunity to meet NFU Cymru representatives to discuss local as well as farming issues that affect the whole of Wales.

Mr Bailey told Assembly Members, "I am very optimistic in the mid to long term about our industry. We have a tremendous amount of potential, that coupled with practicality, enthusiasm and the energy of our farmers augers well for the future.

"In the short term, and this is where Assembly Members come in, it is vital that farming profitability is restored across the board. Without it farmers simply cannot hope to re-invest in their businesses, or attract the younger generation that is crucial to this life on the land."

Mr Bailey referred to impending negotiations on the reform of the Common Agriculture Policy and highlighted the importance of Wales influencing the outcome of these discussions which are so crucial to the future of the industry.

Stephen James, NFU Cymru Deputy President explained the difficult situation dairy farmers, like himself, are in at present. He said, "There is an overwhelming amount of evidence to say that the dairy supply chain is not working. Most compelling of all is the fact that every month in Wales another six or seven dairy producers are leaving the industry.

"We recognise that not all the answers lie with government and that some of the problems are commercial in nature for which commercial solutions exist, it is for farmers and their representatives to sort these issues out with their milk buyers. However, the Welsh Government can help by showing its support for European Commission proposals to help improve the contractual relationship between farmers and their milk buyers."

Mr James also referred to the significant steps made by the last Welsh Government towards delivering a comprehensive bovine TB eradication strategy which had received both over-arching and cross-party support. He said, "NFU Cymru is now looking to the new Welsh Government to use the powers now established to complete the strategy for eradicating bTB in the intensive action area."

NFU Cymru would like to thank Lord Dafydd Ellis Thomas for sponsoring the event held yesterday lunchtime in Tŷ Hywel, Cardiff Bay.