The ‘Securing our food and rural economy’ event, held at The Pierhead building on Wednesday 20th November, brought together farmers and stakeholders to showcase the synergy between Welsh farming business and firms across the supply chain. The reception followed the union’s mass lobby in Westminster the previous day and gave officeholders, members and staff a platform to discuss NFU Cymru’s key priorities ahead of Welsh Government’s budget statement next month.
MS engagement
MSs in attendance at the ‘Securing our food and rural economy’ event, kindly sponsored by Llyr Gruffydd MS, were shown a video where contributors each explained the role their business plays in the Welsh supply chain success story. Those featured included Swans Farm Shop, Mold; Welsh potato, vegetable and bottled milk suppliers Puffin Produce, Pembrokeshire; the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society; British Wool; food service wholesalers Castell Howell Foods; processors Dunbia; South Wales Farm Vets; and agricultural merchants and suppliers Wynnstay.
Impassioned speech
The NFU Cymru event also saw an impassioned speech from fourth generation Ogmore Valley beef and sheep farmer Katie Davies. Katie provided a detailed account of the role her Nantymoel farm plays in the local community, as well describing how her off-farm work as a lecturer in agriculture at Bridgend College complements this. She provided MSs with an enthusiastic account of the school visits she hosts on her upland farm and the drive she has for educating the next generation of consumers about the importance of farming to Wales, its people and the environment.
She told the audience:
“By investing in Welsh agriculture, we can strengthen our national food security, promote rural stability within the economy and preserve Wales’ rich agricultural heritage. It is time for the budget to reflect the true value of our contributions and fulfil a fair deal for our industry.”
Overview from the President
Speaking after the event, NFU Cymru President Aled Jones said: “I am so pleased that we were able to bring together stakeholders and partners from across Wales at today’s event to really encapsulate the knowledge, skills and expertise that exists in our supply chain network. I feel it’s crucial that we show our MSs the importance of these interlinked business and the social-economic boost provided by the products and services they supply.
“As Welsh farmers we are very much the foundation of this supply chain; the raw ingredients we produce and the work we do on farm is complemented and added to by others throughout the supply chain. Farmers spend around £1.5billion annually on products such as feed, fertiliser, veterinary services, farm machinery and contract work. We are incredibly proud to be a part of a Welsh food and drink industry that is worth £9.3 billion to the Welsh economy and employs almost a quarter of a million people.
“As it stands, rural affairs receives around 2% of the Welsh Government budget, but the ripple effect of that funding supports not only food security, but also delivers for the economy, jobs, the environment, communities and culture. That is why we believe it is imperative that Welsh Government continues to support our industry and its multiplier effect. We are grateful that the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, has committed to maintaining the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) for 2025, we are clear that the BPS budget must be maintained at current levels (£238million) for 2025 to provide much needed stability to farmers and rural Wales.
“Farming businesses also need Welsh Government to provide clarity on a long-term financial framework that provides financial support and stability. Such a commitment will enable Welsh farmers to have the confidence to continue investing in their businesses for the benefit of food, nature, climate and communities.
“NFU Cymru is grateful to all MSs who joined us at the Pierhead for our ‘Securing our food and rural economy’ reception. All those who attended can be in no doubt that it is only right that we herald the extraordinary success of the Welsh supply chain and underline the compelling case to continue support these businesses and their ambitions.”