The event, which brought together the Next Generation groups from NFU Cymru, NFU, NFU Scotland and the Ulster Farmers’ Union, discussed a number of topics over the two day event, including net zero and skills and training. Members of the four Next Generation groups were in attendance, along with the NFU Student & Young Farmer Ambassadors and representatives from other industry groups.
Guy Smith, NFU Deputy President, opened the conference. He highlighted that the event was a great opportunity for each of the four groups to better understand the work of the others, as well as looking at how they can work together in the future. He emphasised that the NFU is always looking to get younger farmers more involved with the union, and the Next Generation groups provide a great opportunity to do so.
Andrew Clark, NFU Director of Policy, provided an overview of the work of the NFU policy team. He outlined a number of common policy areas where the four unions work together, such as Brexit, labour, food chain, trade and net zero. He highlighted how the unions have an important relationship, each coming from different places as a result of devolution, but it is important to understand the common issues and the variances in policy within the UK.
Each group then provided a presentation of the work they have done so far. Sian Davies, from Brecon and Radnor and Hefin Jones, from Carmarthenshire, outlined the work of the NFU Cymru Next Generation Group. Their presentation detailed the work the group has done so far during its term, including the meetings, media appearances, contribution to NFU Cymru campaigns, representing NFU Cymru and events and work on social media.
The day ended with a discussion between forums on future working and priorities between the groups.
Pictured above: NFU Cymru's next generation group during their visit to Brussels
NFU President Minette Batters opened the second day of the conference, outlining the impact of Brexit and the importance of the NFU’s net zero ambition. The day centred around facilitative breakout sessions, with workshops focusing on encouraging open discussion on two important challenges facing the industry - tackling climate change and enhancing skills and training.
Ceris Jones, NFU Climate Change Adviser led the session on net zero. She highlighted the NFU’s net zero ambition and outlined how farmers are uniquely placed to respond. The discussion focused on the best productivity, carbon storage and renewables measures to deliver net zero, the barriers to adopting these measures as well as the short, medium and long term priorities. Conference attendees were spilt into groups, each coming up with their own roadmap aiming to achieve net zero.
After lunch Nicholas Bell addressed the conference, a University of South Wales student who undertook a photography project looking into how young farmers in Wales feel about the future. Nicholas spent four months travelling around Wales meeting young farmers, hearing and photographing their lives, and he outlined the aims of the project and showcased his work.
AHDB delivered the final session on skills and training and included a range of voting activities. This allowed participants to write their opinions on a number of topics as well as evaluate their root into the farming industry and their motivation to work in the sector. Conference attendees were asked to discuss CPD (continued professional development) available in the agriculture industry and to evaluate what areas could be improved. Groups then worked on specific areas such as professional frameworks, business support, CPD and careers.
Next Generation Group member Delyth Robinson said: “It was great for all of the Next Generation groups to come together. It was interesting to learn about the work or the other groups and their role within each union. It was an exciting event, and helped showcase the enthusiasm from the younger generation of the industry.”
Speaking after the event, NFU Cymru Next Generation Group Secretary, Bronwen Gardner, commented: “The event was a real success allowing the younger generation to contribute to the important discussion of achieving NFU Cymru’s net zero targets and developing the training and development opportunities available. Members of the group enjoyed the event and said they would like to do something like this again in the future.”