THIS WEEK saw the Royal Welsh Show take place in Llanelwedd, North Wales. The four-day agricultural event broke all records for the third year in a row as it specifically commemorated the World War 1 and D-Day anniversaries. Show Director, Harry Fetherstonhaugh said: “We are very proud to be part of Wales’ single, biggest cultural event. When you put it into a sporting perspective, we have the same sort of crowds as they do at Aintree on Grand National Day and at Cheltenham on Gold Cup day. On our big days we have a crowd of 70,000. This demonstrates the support we get from across Wales and much further afield – it is people’s annual holiday really.” This year saw the show boast a very special guest; the Prime Minister. As the first serving British Prime Minister ever to visit the show, Mr Cameron was greeted by the Show Director and other dignitaries before being taken on a guided tour of the showground. Whilst at the show, Mr Cameron announced a potential £400m of new business for the British food industry as part of a Government plan aimed at supporting British businesses. With Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss, Mr Cameron explained how from 2017, all of Central Government would commit to buying fresh and locallysourced seasonal food. This would be made possible by a new food and drink buying standard, called The Plan for Public Procurement, which is targeted at helping thousands of British farmers, small businesses, rural economies and the British public. Attending the event was new Welsh Secretary, Stephen Crabb, who said: “As the new Welsh Secretary I’m absolutely clear that providing support to local communities in rural Wales is critical. That’s why this Government is backing businesses and hardworking families across Wales by reducing energy costs, lowering job taxes and freezing fuel duty to encourage job creation, boost growth and raise living standards in the Welsh rural economy. Of course there’s still more to do. But only by sticking to our long term economic plan will we build a more resilient economy across all parts of Wales and the UK.” Before attending the event AM Paul Davies told The Herald: “I’m delighted to be attending the Royal Welsh Show this year where the goods and foods on display will showcase the very best of Wales once again. The Show provides an excellent opportunity not only to celebrate Welsh food and produce, but also engage with the farming and food industry to better understand some of the challenges facing the sector. “Sadly, agriculture and rural affairs have been demoted to a junior position around Welsh Government’s cabinet table, which clearly demonstrates their attitude towards the industry. I hope to use my time at the Royal Welsh Show to engage as much as possible with farmers and food producers, establishing what some of their challenges are and listening to how we can best support the industry.”