Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Farming

Welsh Conservatives mark Welsh Food and Farming Week

Published

on

A FOOD SUMMIT and support for an innovative piece of legislation to precision-breed plants and animals to boost food production is top of Conservative calls on Welsh Food and Farming Week.

The NFU’s annual showcase of the best of Welsh agriculture has seen the Official Opposition in the Senedd call on the Labour Government to deliver on the summit that would bring together farmers, food processors, and retailers.

The meeting would aim to make Wales more resilient to the supply chain disruption caused by the war in Ukraine, currently contributing to the rising cost of living, including food prices.

The Labour Government is currently resisting the Welsh Conservative-proposed summit. The Rural Affairs Minister appeared to ignore Mark Drakeford’s instructions after she dismissed the idea of a Food Summit 24 hours after he said he would instruct her to ask industry leaders if one was needed.

A few weeks later, Mark Drakeford struggled to justify previous comments he made when he said “there is no crisis in the food sector” after the Governor of the Bank of England said families will face apocalyptic food price rises due to supply chain problems caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Shadow Rural Affairs Minister Samuel Kurtz MS is also calling on Labour ministers to back the UK Conservative Government’s Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill. The legislation will remove unnecessary barriers to research into new gene editing technology, long held back by EU’s rules.

The Bill will make the UK the best place in the world to invest in agri-food research and innovation; use technology to develop precision-bred plants and animals to bolster food production, resistance to pests and diseases, and resilience to climate change; and reduce pesticide usage to lower costs to farmers and protect the environment.

Mr Kurtz will be participating in this week’s activities with a farm visit, attending the NFU’s Senedd event, and being one of the speakers at a headline event in Pembrokeshire.

Commenting, Samuel Kurtz, Welsh Conservative MS and Shadow Rural Affairs Minister, said:

“I am delighted that NFU Cymru’s Welsh Food and Farming Week is back. With a host of events planned, it is yet another opportunity for us all to promote the fantastic agricultural sector we have in Wales.

“With food shortages a real possibility due to the war in Ukraine, we need all parts of the supply chain to get together, from producer to retailer, supported by the Welsh Government, to develop a plan to ensure our high-quality Welsh produce continues to find its way onto the tables of the people of Wales.

“Indeed, one way to bolster food production and protect ourselves from hostile actors in future is the passage UK legislation to open up innovation in precision-bred plants and animals. But we need this to apply in Wales too and hope Cardiff Bay ministers back this new law.

“But together, we can all back British and Welsh farming by buying local products, supporting our local farmers markets, butchers, and greengrocers. As the old saying goes: ‘If you ate today, thank a farmer.’”

Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies MS added:

“Welsh Food and Farming Week is a great opportunity to talk about the benefits farmers and producers bring to Welsh society and the economy, but we must also highlight areas where the Labour Government need to act.

“The Food Summit that we have been calling for to ensure that the supply chain is resilient to global shocks is essential and the First Minister’s reluctance to act is troubling.

“I hope he uses this week, of all weeks, to change that and bring together all facets of the food sector to ensure food in Wales is stable in price and provision.

“Over the last 30 years the country has gone from being 75% self-sufficient in the food we grow to under 60%. Given what is happening in the Ukraine and the desperate pressure the war is having on food supplies and household budgets. It is vital the Labour Government reverse the decline in domestic food production and use the long-delayed Agriculture Bill to single a renaissance in Welsh agriculture.”

Farming

Concerns over Wales’ diminishing abattoir infrastructure highlighted

Published

on

SEVERAL organisations, including the Farmers’ Union of Wales have written to the Welsh Government raising the critical issue of Wales’ diminishing local abattoir infrastructure.

The letter, addressed to Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, has been co-signed by 8 organisations, including Nature Friendly Farming Network, North Wales Wildlife Trust, Pasture for Life, Plantlife Cymru, Rare Breeds Survival Trust, RSPB Cymru, the Sustainable Food Trust and the Farmers’ Union of Wales. In 1990 there were 58 red meat abattoirs in Wales, whereas today there are just fifteen, with nine being small-medium, and five of these being classed as small. Even fewer are able to provide all of the services farmers need to sell directly to local consumers, such as butchering, packaging, processing small numbers of animals, multi-species animals, having organic certification, and the ability to deal with horned animals, or those ‘over thirty months’ (OTM).

This issue puts Welsh farmers’ ability to sell and distinguish their products from imports produced to lower environmental and animal welfare standards at risk.

All co-signatures of the letter highlighted the role of grazing livestock for the management and enhancement of priority habitats across Wales, from peatlands to salt marshes, species-rich grasslands to heathlands, ffriddoedd and ‘Celtic Woodlands’. Complementing this grazing with being able to sell directly to the consumer, supports the economic sustainability of farming businesses through ‘added value’ sales, particularly when the hardier breeds of livestock that are typically used will often have less of a commercial value.

Commenting, Farmers’ Union of Wales President, Ian Rickman said: “The FUW has been clear that if the Welsh Government wants to promote a ‘circular economy’ and ensure Welsh produce produced to high environmental standards can be marketed as such, then the abattoir infrastructure is an essential enabler. The fact that Australian and New Zealand lamb imports have increased by 78%, at the same time that farmers in Wales are struggling to sell their produce locally, makes no sense. Such a situation undermines the efforts farmers are making to enhance biodiversity, nutritional value, and low carbon produce sold to Welsh consumers, as well as the integrity of Welsh Lamb and Beef’s ‘Protected Geographical Indication’ status.

The FUW’s Livestock and Hill Farming Committee wish to see the Government providing additional support to abattoirs in light of increased and burdensome regulation, running costs and veterinary capacity issues. The letter also urges the Government to ensure the Food Standards Agency small abattoir discount is maintained, that they recognise the abattoir network as ‘critical infrastructure for Wales’, and work with industry to explore solutions such as capital grant schemes.”

Other issues facing abattoirs include ‘animal by-products’ (such as skins, hides or offal) which used to represent an income stream for abattoirs and contributed towards a circular economy, which are now an added cost due to disposal charges.

Teleri Fielden, Farmers’ Union of Wales Policy Officer added: “Farmers in Wales are rightfully proud of our high animal welfare standards and the quality of life afforded to many grazing livestock. Whilst out of the farmers’ control, short journeys to slaughter is part of this, as is access to casualty and emergency slaughter services. However, there is only one slaughterhouse in Wales which has the ‘contract’ to receive BovineTB reactors, creating lengthy journeys and additional stress to both the animal and the farmer experiencing a bTB breakdown.

As the letter outlines, the startling loss of small and local abattoirs in Wales, which is replicated across the rest of the UK, poses a threat to sustainable farming, biodiversity restoration, Welsh produce, animal welfare and our circular economy. The FUW looks forward to finding solutions to this issue by working with the Welsh Government and the wider industry.”

Continue Reading

Farming

Four Cymru saddles up as sponsor of the Royal Welsh Show 2025

Published

on

FOUR CYMRU, the leading bilingual integrated international media, creative and communications agency in Wales, recently announced its sponsorship of the Royal Welsh Show 2025, Europe’s largest agricultural show.

Part of the wider Four Agency Worldwide international group, Four Cymru offers a pan-Wales reach delivering integrated marketing and communications campaigns with a strong focus on branding, creative design and digital media across many sectors in the industry.

“We’re proud to support this year’s Royal Welsh Show – a cornerstone event that honours the rich agricultural traditions and dynamic culture of Wales,” said Amelia Stevens, managing director at Four Cymru. “This sponsorship is a meaningful way for us to give back to our communities and celebrate what makes Wales so special.”

“As one of the sponsors of the show and the Food and Drink Village – Gwledd, we’re excited to continue our journey with the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, having developed the Gwledd brand in 2023. It’s a privilege to see it come to life again this year and we look forward to connecting with stakeholders and visitors throughout the event.”

Attracting over 200,000 visitors, the prestigious Royal Welsh Show held annually at the Showground in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, is a cornerstone of Welsh culture and agriculture, attracting thousands of visitors from across the country and beyond.

The Royal Welsh Show 2025 promises to be an exciting event, featuring a wide range of competitions, attractions, displays, activities, live music and shopping opportunities.

Two of Four’s founders are sisters, Nan and Einir Williams, who are originally from Llanidloes in Mid Wales. Einir, Four’s group managing director has fond memories of the Royal Welsh added, “The Royal Welsh is a key summer event for many people living in mid Wales. We went as a family mostly and by my teenage years I worked on the event in many guises – even driving an ice cream van one year! To now be part of shaping its experience through our work at Four is a real privilege.”

Nan Williams, group chief executive of Four Agency Worldwide said, “Supporting the Royal Welsh Show is not only a celebration of Welsh culture and rural enterprise, but a strategic investment in the future of our economy. The Royal Welsh is Europe’s largest agricultural showcase and an important event in the calendar. We pride ourselves on marketing Wales to the world with offices in Cardiff, London, Sheffield and then beyond in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh.

“At Four, we believe in the power of partnerships that drive visibility, opportunity and growth for UK businesses. Our sponsorship of the Food and Drink Village reflects our commitment to championing producers and amplifying the voices of those shaping the nation’s food and farming landscape across Europe.”

Aled Rhys Jones, chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society said, “We are delighted to welcome Four Cymru as a sponsor for this year’s show. Their support is invaluable, and we look forward to working together to make the 2025 Royal Welsh Show a memorable experience for all visitors.”

For more information about Four Cymru and our services, please visit https://www.four.agency.

Continue Reading

Farming

Bluetongue rules tightened in Wales as control zone expands

Published

on

New movement restrictions and testing regime come into force from June 20

PEMBROKESHIRE livestock keepers are being urged to prepare for imminent changes to Bluetongue virus (BTV) control measures as Welsh Government updates its policy to prevent further spread of the disease.

From Thursday, June 20, any cattle, sheep, goats, deer, llamas or alpacas being moved into Wales from a Bluetongue Restricted Zone will require:

A specific movement licence (available on gov.uk)

A valid pre-movement test, at the owner’s expense

Animals showing clinical signs of illness on the day of travel must not be moved into Wales.

To allow time for preparation, exemptions to pre-movement testing have been extended until Wednesday, June 19. After that date, the new rules will be strictly enforced.

Additional temporary measures introduced during the low vector season remain in place until July 1, including:

No requirement to use insecticides at approved markets, abattoirs, or in livestock transport

No requirement for slaughterhouses to be designated for Restricted Zone intake

However, from July 1, the Bluetongue Restricted Zone will expand to cover all of England, significantly increasing the number of animals subject to movement controls.


What is Bluetongue?

Bluetongue is a viral disease primarily affecting ruminants and camelids. It is spread by certain types of biting midges (Culicoides species), which are active in the UK from April to November.

Animals may be infected and contagious without showing symptoms — particularly adult cattle, which can carry the virus for weeks.


Clinical signs in sheep may include:

  • Mouth and nose ulcers
  • Eye and nasal discharge
  • Drooling
  • Swelling of lips, tongue, head, neck, and hooves
  • Lameness, breathing issues, fever, and sometimes death

In cattle, signs include:

  • Fatigue and loss of appetite
  • Crusting and redness around the muzzle and nostrils
  • Reduced milk yield and abortions
  • Nasal discharge and erosions on teats

In pregnant animals, BTV can cause miscarriage, deformities, blindness, or death of newborn calves.


Controlling the spread

The Bluetongue virus can be transmitted through:

  • Infected midges
  • Infected animals (including imports)
  • Contaminated biological materials (blood, semen, embryos)

Livestock keepers are advised to:

  • Source animals responsibly
  • Monitor livestock closely
  • Use insect-proof housing, particularly at dawn and dusk
  • Maintain high standards of biosecurity and hygiene

Vaccination

Three BTV-3 vaccines are permitted for use in the UK. Two are authorised by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate; a third may only be used under licence. All vaccination must comply with current licensing rules.

More information is available at: Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccination – gov.uk


Tracing and licensing

All livestock must be registered and traceable. If you’re planning to move animals into or out of a Bluetongue-affected area, you must check if a movement licence is required.

Animal keepers should consult their vet before importing animals or biological products from any country with a known or suspected Bluetongue risk.


Report suspected cases

If you suspect Bluetongue:

📞 Call APHA immediately on 0300 303 8268

An APHA vet will investigate and confirm suspected cases.

For local advice, contact Pembrokeshire County Council’s Animal Welfare Team at:
📧 [email protected]

Continue Reading

Crime3 hours ago

Teen admits causing serious injury in Newgale campsite crash

A 19-YEAR-OLD has admitted causing serious injury to four people after crashing his car into Newgale Campsite near Haverfordwest. Jack...

Health13 hours ago

Staggering rise in autism and ADHD delays across west Wales

Thousands of children now waiting for assessments as paediatricians warn of crisis in community care THE NUMBER of children waiting...

Crime2 days ago

Rural crime in Wales rises despite UK-wide decline

Farmers targeted as organised thefts cost £2.8m in 2024 THE COST of rural crime in Wales rose by 18% last...

Community3 days ago

West Wales marchers press on as Egyptian authorities crack down on Gaza protest

No reports of Pembrokeshire detentions as international participants face violence and deportation ACTIVISTS from Pembrokeshire taking part in the Global...

Business4 days ago

Milford Haven Port: Hospitality income overtakes biggest energy terminal

Tourism and hospitality generate more than any single energy customer, marking a historic economic shift for the UK’s leading energy...

News5 days ago

West Wales activists join international march to Gaza border

Campaigners walk 30 miles through the Sinai desert to demand humanitarian access to Gaza ACTIVISTS from West Wales are among...

News5 days ago

Pentagon review puts Pembrokeshire radar project in doubt

A DEEP space radar facility planned for the former RAF Brawdy base in Pembrokeshire could be scrapped or delayed as...

News6 days ago

Spending Review slammed as rail funding ‘falls short’ for Wales

Tories accuse Labour of rewriting history, Lib Dems say Wales ‘gets the scraps’, and unions urge caution LABOUR’S headline £445...

News7 days ago

Pembroke Road closed after serious crash near school

PEMBROKE ROAD in Pembroke was completely closed this afternoon (Tuesday, June 10) following a serious road traffic collision near Ysgol...

News1 week ago

Milford Haven function centre outdoor dining area refused

A RETROSPECTIVE scheme for an outside dining area on a listed building in the most prominent street in Milford Haven’s...

Popular This Week