Say hello - I'd like to meet local farmers
Living on a farm allows me to understand some of the issues facing farmers from a first-hand experience and working for NFU Cymru allows me to use the experience I have gained from other organisations and outside the industry, to make a difference to farmers in the Clwyd and Montgomeryshire area and to ensure their concerns are taken seriously.
I have recently had my first experience of working at the Royal Welsh Show and it is breathtakingly impressive the work NFU Cymru does behind the scenes. Brexit meant this year was one of the busiest for NFU Cymru, with approximately 130 meetings or events spread over the four days including meeting with the First Minister, Cabinet Secretary, Secretary of State for Wales and Secretary of State for DEFRA.
Until this year, I would have been one of the thousands of visitors who flock down to the showground each year to witness some of the most impressive displays in agriculture you will ever see. The Royal Welsh Show gives NFU Cymru a fantastic backdrop to lobby visiting MPs, AMs, and stakeholders to show them what Welsh agriculture delivers for the economy, culture, communities and environment across Wales. It is vitally important during these uncertain times to influence politicians and the public, the important role farming plays across Wales and the United Kingdom.
Our strapline and campaign message at this year’s show was ‘Proud to Produce’ and this formed the basis of our big bale sticker campaign and gatepost banners which have been used to cover major roads within Wales over the last few weeks.
NFU Cymru during the show week also launched a new video showing viewers why Welsh farmers "do so much that we take for granted." The short video highlights the integral role Welsh farmers play in producing the nation's food, caring for the environment and creating and managing our cherished Welsh landscape. The video can be viewed on the NFU Cymru website or on YouTube and I would encourage everyone to have a look.
I am very proud to be working for NFU Cymru at this important time with the pressures that agriculture faces, not only now but in the future. Looking forward, I would like to meet as many members as possible across the Montgomeryshire area, so if you see me at the markets and local shows – please say hello!
For details about NFU Cymru membership please contact NFU Welshpool on 01938 552272 or drop in to meet the team at its impressive new office base: 20 Church Street, Welshpool, SY21 7DQ.
Joe Mault, NFU Cymru county adviser for Clwyd and Montgomeryshire, working closely with NFU Welshpool.
