NFU Cymru-organised event features contributions from suppliers such as Puffin Produce
NFU Cymru has held a special event in Cardiff Bay to highlight to members of the Senedd the value of farming and the wider supply chain to the prosperity of Wales.
The ‘Securing our food and rural economy’ event, held at The Pierhead building on 20 November, brought together farmers and stakeholders to showcase the synergy between Welsh farming business and firms across the supply chain.
The reception followed the union’s mass lobby in Westminster the previous day and gave officeholders, members and staff a platform to discuss NFU Cymru’s key priorities ahead of the Welsh Government’s budget statement next month.
Senedd members in attendance at the ‘Securing our food and rural economy’ event, which was sponsored by Llyr Gruffydd MS, were shown a video where contributors each explained the role their business plays in the Welsh supply chain success story.
Those featured included Swans Farm Shop, Mold; Welsh potato, vegetable and bottled milk suppliers Puffin Produce, Pembrokeshire; the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society; British Wool; foodservice wholesalers Castell Howell Foods; processors Dunbia; South Wales Farm Vets; and agricultural merchants and suppliers Wynnstay.
The event also saw an impassioned speech from fourth-generation Ogmore Valley farmer Katie Davies. She provided a detailed account of the role her Nantymoel farm plays in the local community, as well describing how her off-farm work as a lecturer in agriculture at Bridgend College complements this.
Speaking after the event, NFU Cymru president Aled Jones said: “I am so pleased that we were able to bring together stakeholders and partners from across Wales at today’s event to really encapsulate the knowledge, skills and expertise that exists in our supply chain network. I feel it’s crucial that we show our MSs the importance of these interlinked business and the social-economic boost provided by the products and services they supply.
“As it stands, rural affairs receives around two per cent of the Welsh Government budget, but the ripple effect of that funding supports not only food security, but also delivers for the economy, jobs, the environment, communities and culture. That is why we believe it is imperative that Welsh Government continues to support our industry and its multiplier effect.
”We are grateful that the deputy first minister and cabinet secretary for rural affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, has committed to maintaining the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) for 2025. We are clear that the BPS budget must be maintained at current levels (£238 million) for 2025 to provide much-needed stability to farmers and rural Wales.
“Farming businesses also need Welsh Government to provide clarity on a long-term financial framework that provides financial support and stability. Such a commitment will enable Welsh farmers to have the confidence to continue investing in their businesses for the benefit of food, nature, climate and communities.”
