Celebrating and Supporting Agriculture at the Royal Welsh Show

Janet at Royal Welsh with dorset down winner

(Photo – Janet Finch-Saunders and Mrs Margaret Lloyd-Jones with the winner of the Dorset Horn/ Poll Dorset class)

Following a visit to the Royal Welsh Show this week, Janet Finch-Saunders, Assembly Member for Aberconwy, has spoken of her experience and the further work she is now undertaking so to support our agricultural industry.

Janet said:

“As always, visiting the largest agricultural show in Europe was an invaluable experience.

“With agriculture and rural affairs having been devolved to the National Assembly Wales, I believe it imperative that I make myself accessible to all in the industry so that any issues arising can be identified and addressed sooner rather than later.  As such, I was pleased to have constructive talks about Brexit and rural crime, but was very concerned to learn more about the worsening fodder crisis being experienced by livestock owners.

“In addition to triggering further scrutiny of the Welsh Government by myself, the show really was a fantastic opportunity to see some of the finest animals and taste delicious food from across the United Kingdom.

“Despite red being the colour of the winning rosette, I was honoured to have a hands on role this year.  Indeed, I had the pleasure of joining Mrs Margaret Lloyd-Jones in the sheep ring to watch and present the awards for the Dorset sheep class”. 

ENDS

Written Assembly Question to Lesley Griffiths, Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs:

  1. Will the Cabinet Secretary explain why no grants are available to help young farmers/agricultural students registered with Farming Connect with the cost of trailer tests, and state whether funding can be made available in 2017/18 & 2018/19?
  2. Following the recent Tourism and Agriculture Working Together event, and the Minister's acknowledgment of the importance of the link between agriculture and tourism, will he state whether grants can be made available to help farmers develop existing or pursue new tourism related schemes on their land?
  3. In light of the impact of dry weather on the land, and the winter/spring fodder crisis, will the Cabinet Secretary state now what financial support the Welsh Government will make available to help farmers if they hit a fodder shortage over the winter?