Rural affairs minister hears concerns of NFU Cymru members in Glamorgan

"The red meat sector in Wales is at an all time low and at a critical point," was the stark message presented to Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones when she recently visited Glamorgan NFU Cymru County Chairman Peter Davies on his beef and sheep farm near Pontardulais.

The Minister, who was accompanied by local AM Edwina Hart, met with a group of Glamorgan NFU Cymru members who told her of their concerns regarding the industry and in particular the low farm gate price that is presently crippling the industry in Wales.

"The present situation is unsustainable and can not continue," said Peter Davies, who continued, "We need the major retailers to look very closely at the situation and realise that they must support Welsh farmers by sourcing local meat, changing their import policy and help improve farm gate prices to a sustainable level and we need the Welsh Assembly and National Government's help in getting this message over."

Elin Jones told local farmers that she was acutely aware of the situation and was doing all in her power to try and alleviate the problems faced by farmers as a result of poor prices. She said, "It is my main priority to see a fair return to Welsh farmers for the stock they produce and I am working closely with Hybu Cig Cymru to identify ways in which to stimulate the market and remove the indiscrepancies in the supply chain."

Glamorgan members also informed the Minister about their concerns over BlueTongue restrictions and the ongoing TB problem which is causing much anguish in the hot spot areas of Glamorgan. Elin Jones acknowledged that these were very worrying times and she fully appreciated the problems being faced by the farmers and would be working very closely with her veterinary team to address these problems.

Richard Isaac, NFU Cymru County Vice Chairman, thanked the Minister for attending and said, "We appreciate that Elin has not long been in post and we realise that she could not have come in at a worse time but we are grateful to her for coming today and listening to our concerns. We can see that she has a good understanding of the countryside and we wish her all the best as she attempts to deal with the issues blighting our industry."