NFU Cymru explains difficulties to Wales Office Minister

NFU Cymru impressed upon the Wales Office Minister, Huw Irranca Davies, yesterday the difficulties experienced by Welsh farmers after the recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease.

Speaking after the meeting, which was held in Gwydyr House, Whitehall, NFU Cymru Vice President Ed Bailey said, "The meeting was a good opportunity for us to raise our concerns about the dire plight of Welsh farmers with the Minister and press our case for a Treasury financed package of aid measures for Wales' farmers."

Mr Bailey continued, "Whilst Wales may have been some distance from the outbreak itself, its effects have nonetheless been very strongly felt here. To lose crucial export markets as well as the ability to trade normally at such a critical time of year came as a devastating blow to Welsh farmers, and its effects will continue to be felt for a long time to come. There is currently a massive backlog of Welsh lamb in the market and this continues to have a huge impact on prices.

"We had a constructive meeting with the Minister, but I have left him under no illusions as to the devastation that has been caused by the escape of this disease from a Defra approved laboratory. I have sought the Minister's assurance that he will now make the necessary representations to both Defra and the Treasury in order to seek financial assistance for a recovery package.

"The industry has been brought to its knees through no fault of its own, and there must be no further procrastination in helping the industry recover from the body blow caused by Foot and Mouth disease."

Mr Bailey concluded, "I am grateful to both Roger Williams and Mark Williams MP and their staff for arranging what was a useful meeting with the Minister."