Farming

Clear vision for the future of farming

Published

9 years ago

June 24, 2015

rebcca “NFU CYMRU has a vision for a productive, profitable and progressive agricultural industry in Wales. We have a favourable climate and a nation bursting at the seams with passionate, dedicated and skilled farmers,” Stephen James, NFU Cymru President, told the Wales Farming Conference.
Mr James said: “As farmers we are proud of our role, first and foremost as food producers, being the cornerstone of the £6 billion Welsh food and drink industry and custodians of a countryside that we have created, cared for and continue to manage which not only supports a diverse range of species, habitats and ecosystems but also underpins a tourism industry that is worth nearly £2 billion to the economy of Wales.”
At the Wales Farming Conference, held on the Royal Welsh Showground, the Deputy Minister, Rebecca Evans, launched the Strategic Framework for Welsh Agriculture consultation document. The framework proposals have been developed jointly between Welsh Government and the farming industry.
NFU responds to future of farming proposals
Mr James said: “NFU Cymru along with other key industry stakeholders has a clear vision as to how the newly approved Wales Rural Development Programme (RDP) can be used to enhance the viability and competitiveness of our industry. Our proposals are innovative and focussed on integrating expert advice with on-farm investment to bring about widespread uptake, giving farmers the tools to drive their business forward. Crucial to the success of this framework will be Government and industry bringing these core projects to reality.”
Mr James will tell the Deputy Minister and the audience present, during his speech: “This is a difficult period for all sectors: exchange rates, retailer behaviour and commodity markets all seem to be against us at present which is why as part of this framework specific action plans must focus on how we can get the best possible returns from the market place, and this framework must interlink with the Welsh Food and Drink Strategy. Challenging targets must be set that industry and government must put all their combined resources into achieving. We must do everything possible to add value to primary produce here in Wales ensuring that all parts of the supply chain benefit.”
Mr James concluded: “Profitability is the key to delivering a prosperous, resilient industry and to achieve this we need to ensure maximum returns from the market place at the same time as making sure that what we produce is produced as efficiently as possible.”
FUW: PARTNERSHIP WORKING ESSENTIAL
FUW president Emyr Jones told delegates that Welsh farmers are facing the most challenging and difficult period for a decade, as a severely depleted CAP budget, coupled with ongoing uncertainty over what form the Basic Payment Scheme will take, added to extreme pressures caused by a crash in farm gate returns and farm incomes.
“Put simply, farming once again finds itself in depression, and the anger out there amongst the industry is evident,” said Mr Jones.
Describing the Strategic Framework for Welsh Agriculture consultation document launched by the Deputy Minister at the conference, Mr Jones said it contained aspirations for agriculture which few could disagree with, especially given the difficulties currently facing the industry, with agricultural prosperity and profitability being at the core of the framework.
Comparing the document with previous strategies, Mr Jones told delegates that “I’m glad to say that the strategy framework proposals being launched today differ significantly, even radically, in that, if adopted, this is not some 200 page strategy document which will join the others on the shelf.”
“Thanks to the joint work of government and industry bodies, it proposes the formation of an umbrella partnership group to oversee a short and to the point list of key objectives, most notably achieving and sustaining profitability.”
However, Mr Jones warned that the ability to influence many key factors which would help achieve these objectives were limited.
“We cannot control oil prices or exchange rates, and only God can change the weather which can make or break a profitable year. But the Rural Development Programme is one key toolbox we do have at our disposal. For our industry, and in particular our most important food producers who, whatever the final decision on the Basic Payment model is will lose the most significant amounts of money, the RDP is a lifeline.”
Mr Jones reminded those present of former minister Alun Davies’ commitment to using RDP funds to invest in the future of agriculture and equip it to cope with reductions in financial support and market failure, and welcomed the Deputy Minister’s commitments to strategic initiatives aimed at the red meat and dairy industries in particular.
“I welcome the Deputy Minister’s commitments to strategic initiatives aimed at the red meat and dairy industries in particular, and would urge Welsh Government to ensure that the partnership approach which it has signed up to is adopted when it comes to putting more flesh on the bones of the RDP so we can achieve the key objectives identified in this document, most importantly the profitability and prosperity of agriculture, without which all other objectives for our rural communities and landscapes become unattainable and irrelevant.”
MINISTER LAUNCHES MAJOR CONSULTATION
Delivering a keynote speech, Deputy Minister for Farming and Food, Rebecca Evans presented proposals for a new strategic framework for Welsh Agriculture.
These proposals have been developed jointly between the Welsh Government, FUW, NFU Cymru, CLA Wales and other key stakeholders.
The strategic framework sets out the challenges and threats facing the agriculture sector in Wales, but also highlights the opportunities, and importantly, the need for industry and Government to work together to secure a more prosperous and resilient future for the industry.
Taking the stage with Emyr Jones, President of the FUW, and Stephen James, President of the NFU-Cymru the Deputy Minister officially launched a 12-week consultation on the ‘Strategic Framework for Welsh Agriculture’.
She said: “Our vision is of a prosperous, sustainable industry. Successful, profitable farm businesses which have long-term futures are fundamental to success. We want an industry that is forward looking; uses best practice and works to safeguard and enhance soil, water and the natural environment – the bedrock of farm production.”
The Deputy Minister added that the Rural Development Programme, which was approved by the European Commission at the end of May, will provide financial support for many of the changes needed to farming and associated rural businesses, to help realise that vision.
She said: “With a value of over £900 million to rural Wales, much of which will be funded directly by the Welsh Government, this is the largest and most ambitious RDP we have ever proposed. The emphasis will be on ‘green growth’, supporting only those actions that are good for our rural economy, good for communities, good for the environment. For agriculture in particular, the new RDP will make significant, integrated investments in skills and knowledge, business development, fostering collaboration and improved land management. Our guiding principles are that we will achieve much more by working together and that farming must be a sustainable industry in the widest sense. The Welsh Government and its partners look forward to your response about how you want to take our industry forward.”
The deadline for responses is August 27 and the consultation is available on gov.wales

Farming

Special farming role for senior Pembrokeshire councillor

Published

3 days ago

December 17, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

AN OFFICIAL special farming role for Pembrokeshire’s deputy leader is to be established following a call made to full council, the first time the council has had such a role for a senior member.

In a question to council leader Cllr Jon Harvey, heard at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s full council meeting, Conservative group leader Cllr Di Clements asked: “With the recent changes in the budget from the UK Labour Government on Inheritance Tax and Agricultural Property Relief, many Pembrokeshire farmers are feeling concerned for the future of their family farms, many in Pembrokeshire which have been in the same family for generations.

“I have always found it disappointing that in all the years I have been a councillor, and the major contribution farming has to this county’s economic, cultural and environmental well-being, there has never been a Cabinet Member’s title with rural affairs or farming, or agriculture within it.

“To show that this council recognises the importance of agriculture, and the hundreds of millions of pounds generated by farming, will the Leader consider including it in one of the titles of his Cabinet Members’ portfolio?”

Responding, Cllr Harvey said: “I full share your perspective; it’s true this council has never had a Cabinet member with this role; however I can reconsider, I regard all aspects of rural life as vitally important.”

He told members farming and rural affairs came under the portfolio of the deputy leader [Cllr Paul Miller], adding: “we’re all aware of the changing aspects of rural life at the moment, we do have a rural affairs champion in Cllr Steve Alderman, but I’ve had a conversation with the deputy leader and agreed to review this title to reflect the importance of the role and will happily make an announcement in the next few days.”

Cllr Clements responded: “These words say a lot, it shows this council recognises the importance of the most constant and probably most important business in the county.”

Farming

Call for Pembrokeshire to oppose farming inheritance tax withdrawn

Published

7 days ago

December 14, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL on Pembrokeshire County Council to oppose government changes to inheritance tax affecting family farms has been withdrawn, but its proposer hopes his motion will return to a future meeting.

At the Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced farmers would have to pay inheritance tax on agricultural property and land worth more than £1 million at a rate of 20 per cent, with a £3m threshold for couples passing on their farms.

This compares to a 40 per cent rate on other estates.

A Notice of Motion by Councillor Aled Thomas, ‘relating to Protecting British Family Farms and Preserving Rural Communities’ was to be heard at the December 12 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s full council meeting.

Cllr Thomas, who stood as a Conservative candidate for Ceredigion-Preseli in the 2024 general election, asked that: “Pembrokeshire County Council notes its concern to the proposed changes to inheritance tax announced by the Labour Government in the recent Autumn budget, which would scrap Agricultural Property Relief (APR).

“APR has been instrumental in allowing British family farms to remain intact across generations, supporting food security, sustaining rural communities, and aiding environmental stewardship. This tax is estimated to impact over 70,000 family farms, leaving the average farming family with a tax bill of at least £240,000, which will force many to sell portions of their land or close entirely, paving the way for corporate ownership over family ownership.”

It called on the council to resolve to “oppose the Labour Government’s changes to inheritance tax affecting family farms,” to “advocate for the exemption of family farms to preserve the UK’s food security, rural communities, environmental initiatives,” and to “commit to maintaining its county council farms portfolio, particularly to encourage younger and new generations of farmers into the industry”.

It finished: “This council urges all councillors to stand with Britain’s family farms, to support our rural communities, and to protect the environment by formally rejecting this proposed ‘family farm tax’.”

At the December 12 meeting Presiding Member Cllr Simon Hancock informed members the notice had been withdrawn from the meeting.

Speaking after the announcement, Cllr Thomas, himself a farmer, said: “There was a dispute whether I should have been allowed to submit it as I am a farmer, so I took advice from the monitoring officer that I should withdraw it until I can get a dispensation from the standards committee to speak on the matter.”

He said he hoped to get the motion resubmitted to be heard at the next council meeting.

Farming

Welsh Lamb shines at the Winter Fair Taste Awards

Published

1 week ago

December 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE ROYAL WELSH WINTER FAIR TASTE AWARDS, showcasing the finest native lamb breeds of Wales in a celebration of sustainability, flavour and culinary excellence, were hosted by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS).

The awards, held in collaboration with Cambrian Training Company, the Culinary Association of Wales and the National Culinary Team Wales, spotlighted the exceptional quality of Welsh Lamb and its unique characteristics.

The competition aimed to promote native Welsh Lamb breeds and emphasise their distinct flavours, encouraging chefs, businesses and consumers to consider Welsh Lamb a premium product.

The RWAS says the competition provides a vital platform to showcase the exceptional flavours of native Welsh Lamb breeds while promoting sustainable farming practices.

These lambs are grass-fed, raised in Wales and come with full traceability from farm to fork. The initiative aims to highlight the story behind the meat and the dedicated efforts of farmers in preserving these breeds.

Societies representing seven native Welsh Lamb breeds participated in the competition, held at the Cambrian Training Company building on the Royal Welsh Showground at Llanelwedd.

Each breed’s lamb was expertly cooked by chefs and presented to a distinguished panel of judges, including Dilwyn Evans, a vet featured on TV series ‘Clarkson’s Farm’, Steven Owen, Castell Howell development chef, Neil Fenn, Professor Rhian Goodfellow, OBE and Arwyn Watkins, OBE, executive chair of Cambrian Training Group.

The breeds showcased included Badger Face Welsh Mountain (Torddu and Torwen), Balwen Welsh Mountain, Black Welsh Mountain, Clun Forest, South Wales Mountain, Llanwenog and Pedigree Welsh Mountain.

Each lamb had been bred, born and reared in Wales, ensuring sustainable and traceable farming practices.

The awards highlighted the diversity among native Welsh Lamb breeds, from the Torddu and Torwen’s hardy nature to the Llanwenog’s docile temperament and premium meat quality.

Farmers and breed societies demonstrated the unique traits of their lambs, such as flavour, sustainability and adaptability to diverse farming environments.

Arthur Davies (South Wales Mountain) and I. T. Davies & Son (Clun Forest) were declared joint winners of the Royal Welsh Winter Fair Taste Awards. Both breeds impressed the judges with their remarkable flavour, tenderness and quality, showcasing the very best of Welsh Lamb.

The event emphasised the importance of promoting the culinary excellence of Welsh Lamb alongside its visual appeal in show rings.

Guest judge, Dilwyn Evans said: “It has been an absolute honour to judge the Royal Welsh Winter Fair Taste Awards and experience first-hand the superior taste of native Welsh Lamb.

“This exceptional meat not only embodies the rich heritage and dedication of Welsh farming but also highlights the importance of preserving these unique breeds and the sustainable practices behind them.”

The RWAS thanked the judges and Cambrian Training Group for their continued support, helping ensure the lambs were cooked to perfection for the competition.

With the awards, Wales has cemented its position as a leader in premium lamb production, bringing the exceptional flavours of its native breeds to the forefront of the culinary world.