Support us or lose us!

Concern was expressed, yet again, regarding the fallen stock collection scheme at a recent NFU Cymru Anglesey County meeting.

Anglesey farmer Trevor Lloyd, the County Chairman said: "Although the scheme is working reasonably well, we are not convinced that anything has been done to address the peak period of the fallen stock collection between January and April.

He continued: "We have, therefore, written to the Chairman of the National Fallen Stock Company, Mr Michael Seals, seeking assurances from him, that the problem will be addressed well in advance of next year's lambing season, which begins on the Island, in early January.

"We have also expressed concern about the bio-security measures on the current unsealed vehicles used, as they travel from farm to farm," said Trevor Lloyd.

Another issue of concern highlighted at the meeting was the current abysmal prices of finished beef in Wales. "Beef prices are currently well below the cost of production and are totally undermining any confidence farmers have in the future of this acutely important industry on Anglesey," explained the County Chairman, who farms at Ty Mawr, Valley.

"The message to retailers is loud and clear, 'support us or lose us'. If retailers want a British beef industry producing quality meat to Welsh consumers, then they must support Welsh farmers.

Trevor Lloyd continued: "We have therefore written to the Tesco store in Bangor asking them to promote Welsh and British produce when they open their new store later this autumn."