The campaign activity was part of the NFU’s National Day of Unity events being held around the UK to show the industry’s opposition to the family farm tax.
Those activities saw farmers in North Wales and West Wales head to their local supermarket and farmers’ markets to talk with shoppers, while Monmouthshire farmers conducted their friendly discussions while handing out free milk samples in Abergavenny town centre.
Glamorgan farmers created a mobile display, adorned with Stop the Family Farm Tax branding, which travelled through the streets of Cardiff spreading the message to those in the nation’s capital. Elsewhere, members held meetings with their political representatives to further illustrate the impact of the proposals, with MP meetings taking place in Clwyd, Montgomeryshire, Brecon & Radnor, Ceredigion and Bangor.
"It is clear that those who engaged with the public at town centres across the country received a warm welcome and positive feedback about our campaigning and the reasons for it."
Aled Jones, NFU Cymru President
Ripple effect
NFU Cymru President Aled Jones said: “I am immensely proud of the efforts made by NFU Cymru members over the weekend to amplify the Stop the Family Farm Tax message. It is clear that those who engaged with the public at town centres across the country received a warm welcome and positive feedback about our campaigning and the reasons for it. I’m also pleased that so many members were able to hold constructive discussions with MPs and provide them with further evidence as to the impact this policy change will have on family farms and the ripple effect this will have on the wider economy.”
NFU Cymru Deputy President Abi Reader said: “Our thanks go to all of our members who participated in local events during the National Day of Unity. Social media was awash with videos and pictures of farmers from across the UK holding events to get our message out there that this tax is punitive and will reduce our food producing capacity. Every conversation our members have held with the public this weekend in town centres and outside supermarkets is valuable and supports our cause. It’s important that we continue this momentum until the UK Government pauses this proposal in order for it to be properly scrutinised.”
Credit: Glyn Evans
Credit: Glyn Evans
Network of events
The events in Wales supported a huge network of events also taking place across England and Northern Ireland on the National Day of Unity. The schedule of activities in Scotland had been postponed due to the impact of Storm Eowyn.
What happened in my area?
To see where events took place, look out for the yellow tractor pins on our campaign map. You can also read write ups of what happened in each region.
Social media was awash with videos and pictures of farmers from across the UK holding events to get our message out there that this tax is punitive and will reduce our food producing capacity."
Abi Reader, NFU Cymru Deputy President