Monmouthshire farmers require and deserve a new market

"Monmouthshire is a stock rearing county, we are proud of the stock we produce and we as farmers deserve a new market. We have been waiting for this for a long time, we have to move with the times – we need a market site with good access, we not only require it but what we deserve it," said Glyn Williams, a local farmer from Usk at a recent NFU Cymru Monmouthshire county meeting.

Held at Alice Springs Golf Club, near Usk, NFU Cymru members were invited from across the county to give their views on the current situation regarding the Abergavenny market site in order for the Union to submit a response to the National Assembly for Wales’ Petition’s Committee.

At the crowded meeting, members voiced concerns on how the present situation at Abergavenny market is putting extreme pressure on the existing penning facilities and the inadequate space required for lorries and trailers.

An overwhelming majority voted in favour of Monmouthshire County Council’s proposal to build a new market for the county, on the condition that there will be a smooth transition from the old site to the new, whilst ensuring that the protection of the Abergavenny Acts* are passed onto the new facility.

John Biggs, NFU Cymru Council Delegate, a livestock farmer from Raglan said, "The most important point we will continue to press for, is that in no way can we afford to have even one day of disruption, in terms of trading, in any process of transition. At no point in time should the farmers in Monmouthshire be without a market facility and this is of paramount importance."