Welsh farmers have been urged to consider growing fruit and veg, as well as rearing animals and producing milk.

Rural affairs minister Elin Jones told the inaugural Welsh Assembly Government Horticulture Conference in Pembrokeshire that fruit and veg was an important part of the rural economy, and offered opportunities for farmers.

Quoted on icWales.co.uk, she told delegates last Thursday: “Horticulture in Wales is a highly varied sector and generates £350 million a year in the country’s economy.

“There is a great deal of scope to build on this. There are exciting opportunities for farmers to diversify, and for growers to expand.”

Jones wanted the development of a sustainable, market-driven horticulture industry that addressed environmental and economic issues and supported the rural environment and communities.

The “excellent base of organic horticultural expertise in Wales” also offered opportunities to expand, she said. “The demand for locally produced fresh fruit and vegetables is there, and the purpose of this conference is to start the work of ensuring that we meet that demand,” she said.

“There are opportunities in horticulture for current growers and other farmers as well, and I would urge the industry to seize those opportunities so that Wales produces as many local fruit and vegetables as possible.”

The Horticulture Conference aims to bring together the industry and invite contributions towards strategic development in Wales.

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