The difficulties currently facing the farming industry, in particular the recent collapse in commodity prices, was discussed at length when local farmers met NFU President, Meurig Raymond, on farm recently near Felindre, Knighton.
At the meeting, kindly hosted by the Harris family at Hendre Farm, Mr Raymond explained how the recent ‘perfect storm’ of events had led to the price collapse; in particular the strength of the pound, geo-political developments including Russian sanctions against the EU and the economic slowdown in China.
Mr Raymond did however point to the fact that global food demand is only set to increase with global population set to reach nine billion by 2050, saying “Increasing production in a sustainable manner is a challenge that I know farmers can rise to, but they have to have the right conditions and a viable future in order to continue producing the nation’s food.”
Mr Raymond said, “In recent weeks we have seen farmers taking part in protests and demonstrations reflecting the level of desperation felt across all sectors as commodity prices have tumbled. I am most grateful to consumers for the support that they have shown us during this difficult time. The public are our greatest asset, we will be asking that they continue to back our industry by continuing to buy our produce, and holding to account retailers and food service providers who are failing to ensure that our products are clearly promoted and displayed.”
Mr Raymond continued, “There is also a role that government can play in helping the industry through its current difficulties, and that includes the public procurement process. Government can ensure that procurement decisions are not based on cost alone, but also take account quality marks and standards of production. We also ask government to do all it can to ensure that as much of the 2015 basic payment is paid to farmers as early as possible in the payment window, to help ease some of the cash-flow difficulties we are currently facing.”
Speaking after the meeting, NFU Cymru Brecon and Radnor County Chairman, Stuart Morris, “We are most grateful to Meurig for coming to mid Wales to speak to our members during what is a particularly difficult time for the local livestock sector. We have heard of how a number of factors have combined to create what is a ‘prefect storm’ that has depressed prices across many sectors. As farmers we need realistic returns from the market place if we are to continue in the business of producing food.”
