Farming
A plan of action for Welsh food and drink
A NEW action plan setting out how the Welsh Government will help Wales’s food and drink industry grow by 30 percent to £7 billion by 2020 was launched on Thursday, June 12, by Alun Davies, the Minister for Natural Resources and Food.
Wales’s food and farming industry is already a significant contributor to the Welsh economy and accounts for £5.2bn turnover, 45,000 jobs and £1.3bn Gross Value Added (GVA) in Wales. Towards Sustainable Growth: An Action Plan for the Food and Drink Industry 2014 – 2020 recognises the importance of the sector and lists 48 actions that will deliver greater profitability, growth and jobs. All actions are time-specific and will be measured against outcomes. They include: * Creating a Food & Drink Wales Industry Board to provide leadership and a voice for the industry * Developing the new Food & Drink Wales/ Bwyd a Diod Cymru identity for food and drink to emphasise Welsh provenance and promote trade and market development * Focusing on training to create a skilled and capable workforce throughout the food chain The Minister will address around 150 food businesses, farming unions, university representatives and key players from the UK’s food and drink industry in Cardiff later today and will set out how the plan will help achieve sustainable growth and a profitable future for the sector. Alun Davies said: “This is a very exciting time to be involved in the Welsh food and drink industry – we are progressing well, but we must do more to achieve our ambitious targeting of increasing the turnover of the food and drink sector by 30 percent over the next seven years. “In producing this plan we have listened to feedback from the industry and have worked to provide the support it needs to thrive – whether that be better research, administration support, help identifying market opportunities, business advice or financial investment. “This plan is not a high level strategy, it is completely focused on delivery. For it to be a success, the plan must be delivered in partnership between the industry and Government – with the new Food and Drink Industry Board representing the voice of the industry and providing clear, strong leadership.” The Minister is inviting nominations from the industry for the position of Chair of the Board and will announce this appointment at the Royal Welsh Show in July. Other speakers at the launch event included Tara McCarthy, Food & Beverages Director of Bord Bia (Irish Food Board) and James Withers, Chief Executive of Scotland Food and Drink, who will talk about their experiences of implementing food and drink strategies in their own countries. The Minister added: “I cannot overstate the importance of Welsh food. It has an impact on almost every part of our daily lives from our economy, climate, health and our ability to learn – as well as being central to the culture of Wales. “Despite successes in recent years, so far we have only scratched the surface in terms of what we can achieve and I see this action plan opening up new opportunities for our food producers in terms of exports, skills and training and increasing the profile and reputation of Welsh food.” The Farmers’ Union of Wales welcomed the Action Plan’s launch, describing it as an “ambitious document” which could have real benefits for the food industry in Wales. The Union stressed that the primary production sector is a vital aspect of the food and drink industry in Wales and a profitable farming industry will help deliver the ambitious targets within the plan. FUW president Emyr Jones said: “Wales has been without a strategic direction for food and drink over the past few years so today’s launch will begin the process of growing the Welsh food chain from farm to fork which, if implemented properly, could help farm businesses become more sustainable economically. “The programme aims to grow sales within the food and farming sector by 30% and the FUW welcomes the fact that many of its comments and suggestions submitted during the consultation process have been adopted as part of the strategy.” The strategy itself comprises 48 action proposals ranging from upskilling the labour force to public sector procurement and business growth and development. “The FUW will now consider the detail of the Action Plan and will contribute to the ongoing discussions on its implementation,” Mr Jones added.
Farming
Welsh Government pressed on impact of new farming tax
THE Welsh Government have been urged to clarify how many farms in Wales will be affected by the Family Farm Tax.
The calls come after farming unions rebuked claims from the UK Labour Government and Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens that only a minority of farmers will be affected by the new inheritance tax rules.
The UK Labour Government has come under heavy criticism following the announcement by Chancellor Rachel Reeves that farmers would have to pay a 20% tax on farms worth more than £1m.
When questioned on Sunday Politics about the potential impact of the new tax laws on Welsh Farmers, Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens claimed that “Three quarters of farmers will be unaffected”.
The treasury has yet to publish an estimate around the impact that the new tax laws will have on Welsh farms.
Both the FUW and NFU Cymru have expressed their concerns at the changes made by the UK Government, stating that it will cause “lasting damage to Welsh farming.”
The Welsh Lib Dems have now called on the Welsh Government to clarify how many farms in Wales will be impacted by the new Family Farm Tax rules.
Party leader Jane Dodds MS has written to the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs Huw Irranca-Davies to express her concern over the “untold damage that farming communities throughout Wales will face as a consequence of the UK Government’s most recent budget”.
In the same letter, Jane Dodds MS pressed Mr Irranca-Davies to confirm how many Welsh farms will be affected by the new inheritance laws.
“We cannot afford to leave our farming communities in the dark when it comes to the impact of this potentially devasting new tax law” said Jane Dodds MS.
Both our farmers and the Welsh Public deserve to know the truth that lies behind Labour’s claims that only a small amount of farmers will be impacted by the Family Farm Tax. Claims that, I should add, have already been disputed by both NFU Cymru and the FUW.
The uncertainty surrounding these new inheritance laws will place more unnecessary pressure on farmers across Wales, many of whom are already struggling under a cloud of financial pressures.”
Farming
Pembrokeshire farmer’s award for outstanding service to Welsh dairy industry
DAIRY farmer, Stephen James, from Gelliolau farm in Clunderwen, Pemborkeshire has been presented the FUW Outstanding Service to the Welsh Dairy Industry award at the Welsh Dairy Show 2024 in Carmarthen.
Presenting Stephen with the award will be FUW President Ian Rickman during the Welsh Dairy Show held at the United Counties Showground in Nantyci, Carmarthen on Tuesday 22 October 2024.
Ian Rickman, FUW President said: “The judging panel were delighted with the nominations this year, but Stephen’s diligent and relentless work for over 20 years representing the industry in a public role on the issue of Bovine TB in particular placed him on top.
“A worthy winner, Stephen has used his own experience of dealing with TB on his own farm business, having been in and out of restrictions for over a quarter of a century, to highlight the main issues that affect Welsh farmers, publicly.”
Stephen is Chairman of the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework a position he has held since July 2018. As Chairman, working closely with Wales’ Chief Veterinary Officer, Stephen works to make improvements in standards of animal health and welfare across Wales.
He has also been a leading figure in representing the concerns of Welsh farming to the Government. As an industry representative on the Welsh Government TB programme board, he has undertaken countless bilingual media interviews to local, national and international broadcasters. He highlights the impact the disease has on farming families and the need for the Welsh Government to implement a Comprehensive TB Eradication Strategy.
On winning the award, Stephen James said: “Receiving this award is a huge privilege. It was quite a shock to hear the news. I am extremely grateful to receive the award, especially at an event that is so close to my heart and is so important to the milk sector in Wales. Thank you so much for the honour.”
Stephen James has held a wide range of positions within NFU Cymru from Local Branch Chairman to President (2014 – 2018). He has worked on a number of significant policy areas including the Common Agricultural Policy Reform and Brexit, dairy issues and an influential figure during the trying times of the 2012 milk crisis. Stephen, alongside other UK farming union leaders, addressed the July 2012 dairy farmers Westminster Hall Rally.
Passionate about supporting the next generation of farmers, Stephen shared the responsibility for his farm business at Gelliolau to his son, Daniel, at a young age. He has been heavily involved with the Wales Young Farmers, both locally and nationally holding a number of positions including Pembrokeshire County Chairman, Pembrokeshire County President and Wales YFC Council member.
A long standing member of First Milk and a Director and past Chairman of Clynderwen and Cardiganshire Farmers, he truly believes in the values and principles of co-operative organisations.
He is former President of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society, a President and active Board Member of Clunderwen Show Society, a past Chair of Clunderwen Community Council and member and past Chairman of Narberth Grassland Society. Stephen James is also a Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies.
Ian Rickman concluded: “Stephen James has truly made an outstanding contribution to the Welsh Dairy Industry. We are delighted to present him with this FUW award in recognition of the years of work he has carried out on behalf of Welsh farmers. On behalf of the FUW, I congratulate and thank Stephen for his work.”
Farming
Community farm brings support and skills to veterans in Pembrokeshire
A COMMUNITY farm in Pembrokeshire is making a difference for veterans and vulnerable individuals by blending nature-based activities with therapeutic support.
Founded by Daisy Coleman in 2019, Redberth Croft CIC became an officially registered Community Interest Company in 2024. Since its inception, the farm has offered a host of engaging activities, from gardening therapy and animal-assisted sessions to creative workshops and rural skills training, all aimed at fostering resilience and personal growth.
One of its standout initiatives, ‘Hedging Your Vets,’ received support from the Port of Milford Haven Community Fund. This unique project provides veterans with training in traditional hedgelaying—a skill that preserves biodiversity while promoting mental wellbeing. Running throughout the winter, the programme equips participants with practical skills that open pathways to potential employment in conservation and sustainable agriculture.
To further its mission, Redberth Croft CIC collaborates with organisations such as The VC Gallery and The Tenby Project. Together, they work with local authorities to deliver day services that enhance inclusion and accessibility for individuals facing learning disabilities and mental health challenges.
More than just a farm, Redberth Croft CIC serves as a community hub, offering a supportive space for individuals with complex needs to build confidence, learn new skills, and form meaningful connections. Its core belief is that green health initiatives and nature-based therapies can offer significant therapeutic benefits to those in need.
For those interested in participating in the ‘Hedging Your Vets’ project or other future courses, further details can be found on Redberth Croft CIC’s website and social media channels.
Through its work, Redberth Croft CIC is cultivating a compassionate and resilient community in Pembrokeshire, promoting both personal growth and environmental conservation in a safe, welcoming environment.
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