Welsh farming can be 'world-class' in future, young farmers have been told.
That was the rallying cry from the Welsh government's farming chief at NFU Wales' next generation meeting, held in Caernarfon recently. The meeting has been branded a huge success, with over 120 people in attendance.
Director of agriculture, food and marine, Andrew Slade, addressed the crowd, and spoke of the Welsh government's vision for the future of Welsh agriculture.
Slade said: “Both industry and government share a vision for the future - of a dynamic, competitive, world-class industry, with more movement into, through and out from the sector. We need a forward-looking partnership between industry and government to help realise this vision. Meetings such as this, bringing different farming generations together, are making an important contribution to this approach, and will help in delivering for Welsh farming as a whole.
“We are all too aware that market volatility has affected and will continue to affect each of our agricultural sectors. These challenges are not going to go away. Whilst market prices are out of our control, government can work alongside the industry, the supply chain and other partners, to help join up thinking and to look at other measures that can help strengthen the long-term resilience of Welsh agriculture.'
He added: “I’m pleased to say that the new Rural Development Programme will be the biggest and most ambitious programme in Wales’ history, with nearly £1 billion to invest strategically in the future of our rural areas. Farm investment measures will be an important part of the programme, and will include capital project support for young farmers, with the application process starting later this year.”
Aled Jones, Mid-Gwynedd NFU Wales county chairman, said: “It was encouraging to see so many passionate and enthusiastic young farmers present at the meeting. The next generation is the future, and the aim of next generation county meetings is to make sure their views are known.'
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