NFU Cymru president warns of the dangers of relying on imported produce

New NFU Cymru President, Dai Davies last night issued a stark warning to supermarkets about the future of farming in Britain. Mr Davies was guest speaker at NFU Cymru's Mid Gwynedd AGM and County Conference, held at Meifod in Bontnewydd.

Dai Davies said, "2006 is a fresh start for agriculture in Wales. The Single Farm Payment has released us from the chains that were forcing us to produce in order to receive subsidies. Supermarkets are slowly coming to realise that unless they offer a fair price for our produce, we can now afford to stop supplying them.

Remarking on the recent situation in Eastern Europe, where gas supplies to Europe have been affected by explosions on Russian soil, Mr Davies continued, "You only need to look at Russia turning off the gas to see how putting Britain at the mercy of foreign suppliers could have devastating consequences for the nation. Supermarkets may be able to fill their shelves with produce from other countries at the moment, but does Britain want to be dependent on foreign produce to feed its people?"

NFU Cymru County Chairman, George Williams thanked Mr. Davies for his speech. He said, "We thank Mr. Davies for speaking to us today, and wish him well for the term of his Presidency."

George Williams was chairing his last Mid Gwynedd County meeting before stepping down from the role. John Gwynant Hughes has been elected as new County Chairman, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather to become the third generation to Chair the NFU in Mid Gwynedd. Dafydd Jones was elected as Vice Chairman.