PM Cameron launches scheme in visit to Mid Wales

Thousands of people are expected to attend the event in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, which showcases the best of Welsh livestock, food and drink and includes forestry, countryside sports and horticulture.

Speaking on the first day of the show, David Cameron supported a £17.8m fund set up to foster innovative agricultural techniques, which includes aims to improve the taste of lamb while reducing waste.

He also announced a potential £400m of new business for the British food industry as part of a Government plan aimed at supporting British businesses.

From 2017, all of central government will commit to buying fresh and locally-sourced seasonal food.

This will 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.

The Prime Minister said: "Our long-term economic plan is all about backing the doers and the hard-workers – and no one does more or works as hard in Wales and the rest of Britain today than our farmers.

"By opening up these contracts, we can help them create more jobs, invest in their businesses and make sure people in Wales have a healthier lifestyle.

"It's a triple win – and will mean a brighter future for our country."

Members of his reshuffled cabinet including Welsh Secretary Stephen Crabb and UK environment minister Elizabeth Truss were also at the show.

Mr Cameron's visit came as farmers held a protest urging Tesco to promote Welsh lamb instead of New Zealand lamb.

About 50 National Farming Union members gathered outside Tesco's Royal Welsh stand asking the supermarket to back Welsh farmers.

Tesco said it was committed to building on its links with British farmers.

First Minister Carwyn Jones opened the nominations for this year's St David Awards at the event yesterday.

The awards were set up to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of people in all walks of life who benefit Wales.

Meanwhile, Harper Adams University's new permanent base in Wales, The Harper Adams Pavilion, on the showground, opened for the first time and was renamed by RWAS Chairman of Council, David Lewis.

Vice-Chancellor Dr David Llewellyn said: "The university recruits a significant number of students from Wales each year, we have a vibrant Welsh alumni community and we are actively engaged with the Welsh farming sector. Therefore, it was a logical step to have a permanent base in Wales and where better than at the national showground.

"We are delighted that the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society has given us this opportunity and we are really excited about the new activities we can develop for the benefit of the Welsh farming and food industries."

Staff and students will be on hand at the Pavilion throughout the show week to chat to visitors, while hands-on activities aimed at children will run from the Lantra building next door. Anyone making course enquiries will receive a free, limited-edition Royal Welsh Show wristband.