The conference, which took place at the Duke of Wellington Hotel, Cowbridge on Wednesday 5 February, included a fantastic line up of speakers and industry experts addressed arable farmers from across the country.

The event was opened with a keynote speech by NFU Cymru Crops & Horticulture Board Chairman Tom Rees. He said: “I am delighted that NFU Cymru has been able to host this dedicated conference for arable farmers and horticulture growers in Wales. We have had a really challenging few years with unpredictable and significant weather events impacting our harvests; and continued uncertainty over the policy detail and funding arrangements of the Sustainable Farming Scheme. However, as we look forward, there are some huge opportunities for us as a sector including building improved relationships across the supply chain and on farm assurance the chance we now have to shape what we want it to look like going forward following the publication of the review.”

Panel discussion

Tom also took part in a panel session which was chaired by NFU Cymru Crops & Horticulture Board Vice Chairman, Richard Anthony, along with NFU Combinable Crops Board Chair Jamie Burrows and NFU Cymru President, Aled Jones.

Jamie Burrows told those in attendance about his background in arable farming as well as his rise to the role of NFU Combinable Crops Board Chairman. He outlined the difficulties of the last year but looking forward he discussed the opportunities for the sector following the Farm Assurance review.

NFU Cymru President Aled Jones also addressed the conference and gave those in attendance an update on the Sustainable Farming Scheme and the on-going work being undertaken to ensure the scheme works for all sectors and all farmers in Wales. He also discussed the latest on the Stop the Family Farm Tax campaign, before thanking members of the NFU Cymru Crops and Horticulture Board for their work over the past 12 months.

After lunch, in a session chaired by NFU Cymru Deputy President Abi Reader, conference goers heard from NIAB Agronomist Will Vaughan-France, who specialises in crop and soil management for the long-term benefit of the farm. Will told those in attendance about his journey into arable farming and the background to his role at NIAB. He discussed arable crop performance and the importance of farm-based trials being undertaken in Wales to ensure growers had access to varieties that best suited the climatic conditions and disease challenges faced in Wales. 

Sustainability

Finally, members of the audience heard from Huw Thomas, Managing Director of Puffin Produce, who gave an insight into the story behind the Pembrokeshire company’s success. Huw outlined Puffin’s background and went through the product ranges they provide including supermarket own brands and Puffin’s Blas y Tir and root zero brand. Huw was able to show that the increased sales and value being achieved by the company through branding and labelling the potatoes as Welsh grown.  He also covered the businesses sustainability work and the company’s carbon footprint.

NFU Cymru Crops & Horticulture Board Chairman Tom Rees said: “The arable industry has had a very challenging 12 months, and with the SFS still in development and the Inheritance Tax proposals causing real worry for farming families the next 12 months will continue to be difficult, but the aim of this conference was to be positive and to inspire us all and I am confident with the professionalism and dedication of our arable and horticulture growers and with support across the supply chain we can look forward with confidence. I would like to thank our guest speakers for taking the time to join us and those who attended for some really insightful thought-provoking discussions.”