News

FUW put spotlight on dairy industry

Published

10 years ago

October 28, 2016

(FUW Eve of Welsh Dairy Show) FUW staff and officials: Enjoying a farm visit at Daioni Organic, highlighting

ON THE EVE of the Welsh Dairy Show on Monday (Oct 24), the Farmers’ Union of Wales put the spotlight firmly on the dairy industry at a farm visit at the home of Daioni Organic.

Joining the visit at Ffosyficer Farm, Boncath, Pembrokeshire, were many Union members and officials, as well as Mr Michael Eavis of Glastonbury Farm, who is mostly known as the founder and organiser of the Glastonbury Festival.

VALUE ADDED FARMING

A dairy farmer for over 40 years, Laurence Harris has taken Daioni – meaning ‘goodness’ – from strength to strength.

Since taking over Ffosyficer Farm – still the heart of the Daioni business – from his father in 1970, Laurence expanded the family farm from 150 acres to well over 3,000 acres of fertile pasture.

The farm was converted to organic production in 1999 and since then, Laurence and his team have added value to their premium quality dairy produce which has culminated in the launch of the Daioni brand and a suite of products that are being sold internationally.

In 2008, Daioni flavoured milk was exported overseas for the first time and is now stocked in outlets around the world as well as in small retailers and major supermarkets across the UK.

In addition, in 2012, Daioni became the first British dairy company to gain organic certification in mainland China and in 2014, they opened their Hong Kong office to focus on Asia Pacific sales. Today, exports account for over 15% of the business turnover.

Around 20 local people are employed by the farming business which, today, is solely owned by the Harris family and continues to go from strength to strength.

Speaking at the farm visit, Mr Harris, who last year was awarded with the FUW/HSBC Outstanding Service to Welsh Dairy Industry award, said: “We all welcome the visit of Michael Eavis to Ffosyficer. As a person who has seriously added value to his dairy farm, we can all learn from his enthusiasm and foresight in attracting urbanites to the lovely pastures of Worthy Farm. It is so important to try and enlighten our consumers to the issues that dairy farmers currently face.”

FUW Deputy President Brian Thomas told delegates at the event: “Our dairy industry has suffered quite a bit with low prices over recent years. Many producers have seen their milk cheque cut in half and often find themselves having to deal with unfair contracts. The unfortunate truth is that our dairy producers will have to cope with extreme price volatility in the future.

“Whilst there have been some notable price increases in recent months – and these must be welcomed – full price recovery may still be some way into the future due to a continuing global supply and demand imbalance.”

BREXIT NOT THE ONLY CONCERN

Mr Thomas further told delegates that capitalising on new markets may well be a vital component of the Welsh dairy sector post-Brexit and it is essential that the prices paid to our farmers allow room for investment and innovation so that we can be globally competitive.

“While prices and supply and demand issues are ongoing, our dairy sector also faces two other critical issues.

“The Welsh Government is currently consulting on the four yearly review of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones and the result could mean that financial implications are imposed on those who live in designated areas.

“We have been involved in the NVZ review and have made successful representations on several designations, which resulted in their removal from the discrete areas option of the consultation.

“However, the number of proposed new designations remain a concern and we continue to reiterate the operational and financial impacts those designations would have upon farms that reside within an NVZ area.”

WG ‘SQUANDERED MONEY’

Given such costs, Mr Thomas stressed that there must be full justification for any proposed increases in designation and he urged FUW members to make sure they work with their local county office and submit a response to the consultation.

Addressing the issue of bovine TB, Mr Thomas said: “Bovine TB still poses a significant problem here in Pembrokeshire. Last week, we welcomed the Welsh Government’s announcement that it will consider a badger test-and-cull type approach to TB and it is as a small step in the right direction, but many farmers will be concerned at the implications of splitting Wales into TB zones.”

He added that targeting infected badgers would be a welcome move, but it is disappointing that it has taken so many years to move back towards common sense after the original comprehensive plan to tackle the disease in wildlife was abandoned by the previous Welsh Government.

“I want to be clear on one thing though – we cannot place any further financial or administrative burden on the industry. The Welsh Government has a moral obligation to fund the next steps – given the millions of pounds squandered on an ineffective badger vaccination program,” added the FUW Deputy President.

News

Rhun ap Iorwerth to chair first meeting of new Welsh Government Cabinet

Published

7 hours ago

May 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New First Minister says government will focus on waiting lists, jobs, education and child poverty

FIRST MINISTER Rhun ap Iorwerth will chair the first meeting of his new Welsh Government Cabinet today, setting out what he says will be an agenda based on action, openness and results.

The meeting marks the formal start of the new government’s programme, with ministers expected to focus on improving public services, supporting families and growing the Welsh economy.

Ahead of the meeting, Mr ap Iorwerth said his Cabinet would work as “one team” and avoid what he described as unnecessary duplication across government.

The First Minister said: “This is a government of action, a government for all, and a government of new ideas. The hard work has now started.

“Our focus is on the issues that matter most to people in every part of Wales – cutting waiting lists, supporting families with the cost of living, creating good jobs, raising standards in education and tackling child poverty.

“As First Minister, I am determined to end siloed working and unnecessary duplication across government. This Cabinet will work as one team, with ministers focused on delivering together in the interests of the people of Wales.

“We will lead with openness and purpose, building trust through practical action and visible outcomes.

“The people of Wales expect a government that listens, that stands up boldly for Wales, and that works together to get things done. That is exactly what this Cabinet is determined to deliver.”

The first Cabinet meeting will be closely watched as the new administration begins to turn election promises into policy, with pressure already mounting over NHS waiting times, household costs and the state of public services across Wales.

Local Government

Road resurfacing works welcomed after repeated pothole complaints

Published

10 hours ago

May 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Castle ward councillor thanks residents for patience as long-running issue near St Thomas’ Green finally addressed

ROAD resurfacing works at St Thomas’ Green in Haverfordwest have been welcomed by local county councillor Thomas Tudor, who says a long-standing pothole problem near a bus shelter is finally being resolved.

Cllr Tudor, who represents the Castle Ward, said he was pleased to see progress being made on the improvements, particularly in an area that had required repeated repairs over time.

The works, being carried out by Pembrokeshire County Council and contractors, include resurfacing along part of the road close to the bus shelter near St Thomas’ Green.

Cllr Tudor said the pothole had been reported and repaired on numerous occasions before more permanent resurfacing work was approved.

He said: “As County Councillor for the Castle Ward, which includes St Thomas’ Green, I am pleased to see works progressing very well with the road resurfacing, in particular the area by the bus shelter which had a pothole which I have been reporting and having repaired numerous times.

“Many thanks to Pembrokeshire County Council and the various contractors involved and I would also like to apologise to the residents and thank them for their patience and understanding during these essential works.”

The resurfacing has caused some disruption to local traffic while work is underway, with temporary traffic management measures in place.

Residents have been thanked for their patience as crews complete the improvements, which are aimed at providing a safer and smoother road surface for motorists and pedestrians.

Photo caption:

Improvements underway: Cllr Thomas Tudor pictured at St Thomas’ Green as resurfacing works progress (Pic supplied)

News

Cefn Sidan retains Blue Flag status as one of Wales’ top beaches

Published

10 hours ago

May 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CEFΝ Sidan has retained its place among the world’s best coastal locations after being awarded Blue Flag status in the Wales Coast Awards 2026.

The Carmarthenshire beach, located within Pembrey Country Park near Burry Port, has now received the prestigious award 38 times — more than any other beach in Wales.

Cefn Sidan was also the first beach in Wales to receive a Blue Flag when the awards were introduced in 1988.

The awards, announced by Keep Wales Tidy, recognise beaches that meet high standards for water quality, safety, facilities, environmental education and site management.

A total of 48 beaches across Wales were recognised this year, with 20 receiving Blue Flag status.

Cefn Sidan is an eight-mile sandy beach backed by dunes and forms part of Pembrey Country Park, one of Carmarthenshire’s major visitor attractions. The park also offers woodland walks, mountain bike trails, a dry ski slope, toboggan ride, crazy golf, train rides and a family campsite.

Owen Derbyshire, Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy said: “We are delighted to see Cefn Sidan once again retaining its Blue Flag Award status and continuing to hold the title of the Welsh beach which has received the most Blue Flags.

“As Wales’ very first Blue Flag Award winner, we appreciate the ongoing commitment of everyone at Carmarthenshire County Council and Pembrey Country Park in ensuring Cefn Sidan meets the high standards needed to gain the Blue Flag Award.”

He added: “These awards recognise high and consistent standards and we would like to thank staff, volunteers and everyone else at sites across Wales who work so hard to protect and preserve our natural landscape in the face of increasingly challenging circumstances.

“All of these places are beautiful but seeing that flag flying means visitors can be assured that they are clean, safe and well-managed with excellent facilities too.”

Other Blue Flag beaches in west Wales include Llangrannog in Ceredigion, Saundersfoot, Tenby South and Poppit Sands in Pembrokeshire.

Thirteen Welsh beaches also received Green Coast Awards, including Mwnt and Penbryn in Ceredigion, Freshwater East and Manorbier in Pembrokeshire.