[caption id="attachment_6220" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Prime Minister David Cameron discussing the EU referendum with FUW Managing Director Alan Davies and FUW President Glyn Roberts.[/caption]

The importance of remaining part of the European Union was highlighted by the Farmers’ Union of Wales once again, but this time at Westminster.

Talking to Prime Minister David Cameron, who is backing Britain to stay part of the EU, were FUW President Glyn Roberts and FUW Managing Director Alan Davies.

The Union officials attended the St David’s day celebrations in the capital and used the opportunity to make the FUW’s position on a Brexit clear at the highest level.

“We had the pleasure of discussing the EU referendum with the Prime Minister and highlighted the fact that even though we want to remain part of the EU – contingency plans for a potential Brexit are vital and need to be drawn up quickly,” said FUW Managing Director Alan Davies.

“What people need in order to make an informed choice in June are facts from both sides of the argument and we also need to set the scene for a variety of political scenarios. As a Union we will do all we can to facilitate further discussions and invite key opinion formers, industry stakeholders and governments to join us around our table to ensure the best deal is secured for Britain and for Wales.”

The Meirionnydd branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales is holding its  Annual General Meeting on Friday March 4, at the Rugby Club, Dolgellau starting at 7.30pm.

The main focus of the event will be the upcoming Welsh Assembly elections and speakers this year will be all candidates in the Meirion Dwyfor constituency.

Plaid Cymru candidate Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, Liberal Democrat candidate Stephen Churchman, Labour candidate Ian McIntire, Conservative candidate Neil Fairlamb and a UKIP representative are attending the meeting and will answer questions from the audience.

FUW County Executive Officer for Meirionnydd, Huw Jones, said: “We warmly invite our members to join us for this important meeting and look forward to discussing a wide range of topics that are of importance to the Welsh economy and agriculture.

“There will be also be an opportunity for members to put forward their arguments in the context of the referendum on the future of the United Kingdom within the European Union, a topic of great importance to the agricultural industry.”

Further details are available from the County office in Dolgellau. Contact number 01341 422298 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

When we think of St David’s Day many things might come to mind not least of which will be those iconic ingredients for Welsh Cawl: Lamb and Leeks. And whilst the quality of Welsh Lamb is well recognised throughout Wales it is also increasingly being recognised further afield.

In Europe in particular, where the market for Welsh meat is worth close to £200 million a year with a significant proportion of that being for lamb, there is a fast growing market for Welsh lamb as a niche premium product.

“There’s no doubt that its Protected Geographical Indication Status, which guarantees a genuinely authentic product is highly important,” said Alan Davies of the Farmer’s Union of Wales.

“But we’ve known for years that the combination of our brilliant farmers, along with some of the lushest grass in the world and a plentiful supply of rain, all combine to produce a great product.

“We heard only recently from Hybu Cig Cymru/Meat Promotion Wales that Welsh Lamb is gaining ground in Germany where is it marketed as a niche, premium product, and rightly so. It is a wonderful product, taking the German market by storm.”

Access to EU markets, especially with regards to lamb exports, is vitally important for Welsh agriculture. Officials figures showed that in 2014, approximately 35 percent of sheep meat produced in Wales was exported to the European Union.

“We need to be able to guarantee access to this market freely and that is only possible if we remain in the EU. Yes the EU is not perfect, we know that. But being part of it brings with it so many positive benefits that ensure a prosperous and economically viable rural Wales. We must not jeopardise that position.”

A Fair Trade Big Breakfast has been organised by the Anglesey branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales in support of the National Fair Trade campaign “Sit down for breakfast, stand up for farmers!”.

The breakfast will be held on Wednesday, March 9 at Cartio Môn Karting, Bodedern starting at 9am.

Joining the breakfast will be representatives of Fair Trade Wales, FUW President Glyn Roberts will talk about fair prices for Welsh Farmers and FUW Senior Policy Officer Dr Hazel Wright  will provide an update on climate change and how it has affected Welsh farming.

In 2008 Wales became the first ever “Fair Trade Nation” and the FUW announced its support for Fair Trade at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair in December that year.

Since then the FUW has been working closely with Fair Trade Wales to highlight the need for farmers all over the world to get paid a fair price so that food security can be achieved across the globe.

FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “While our produce and farming methods are on the one hand extremely different, there are many similarities between major issues of concern.

“Despite our differences, the principle that a farmer should receive a fair price for his produce transcends international boundaries, and is one that we should all support, whether as individuals or as organisations – and this principle should also extend to procurement by public bodies.”

Mr Roberts further added that following this principle recognises ways of supporting small scale producers – whether in underdeveloped countries of the Third World or right here in Wales.

The FUW believes Welsh farmers who want a fair price for their lambs in the market should also want a fair price for coffee farmers in other countries.

FUW Anglesey County Executive Officer Heidi V Williams, who has organised the Fair Trade Big Breakfast,  said: “I am  looking forward to holding this event which will demonstrate the backing of this worthwhile national campaign on a local level and highlight the issues facing the industry and the importance that farmers are paid a fair price for their produce.”

To book your seat around the breakfast table contact the FUW Anglesey office on 01248 750250.  Breakfast tickets are £10 per head with all proceeds going to British Heart Foundation.