Members and officials of the Farmers’ Union of Wales met Welsh Government minister for natural resources and food Alun Davies on three Meirionnydd farms to discuss the current state of farming in the uplands and the difficulties and challenges ahead.
The minister met FUW vice president Richard Vaughan at Pall Mall Farm, Tywyn, to discuss the future direction of the industry, the current consultation on direct payments under the CAP Reform and particular reference was given to the Glastir applications.
Pall Mall extends to approximately 50 acres and the family has successfully diversified and established a caravan site with 100 pitches for static and touring caravans. The majority of the farm land is upland, extending to 500 acres at Rhydymain near Dolgellau.
Richard Vaughan keeps a flock of 700 Welsh mountain sheep together with 150 ewe lamb replacements.
The delegation, as well as local FUW members, then visited Berwyn and Helen Roberts, National Trust tenant farmers at Dolobran farm, Dinas Mawddwy. Dolobran extends to 350 acres of mainly hill and mountain land.
Mr Roberts was a new entrant into farming in 2008 when he successfully obtained Dolobran. Members had the chance to express their concerns regarding the losses experienced during the inclement weather in the spring, the enormous increase in feeding costs and the effect on their businesses.
The day concluded with a visit to Talglannau, Mallwyd, farmed by Tegwyn Jones, his wife Catrin and sons Guto and Huw.
The minister was shown the powerhouse of one of their hydroelectric schemes and Tegwyn explained how his diversification into hydroelectric generation brings extra income to the farm and enables Guto and Huw to gain employment from the farm holding.
Tegwyn built a 93kw hydroelectric scheme in 2001 which generates enough electricity for 70 homes and in 2011 completed a 100kw scheme which generates electricity for 90 homes. They are now planning another smaller 28kw facility.
After the visits FUW president Emyr Jones said: “I would like to thank the minister for meeting us today and giving our members the chance to express their views.
“We have had some good discussion on many subjects and the opportunity for dialogue was very much appreciated.”
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Minister Alun Davies with FUW county executive officer Huw Jones, FUW Meirionnydd county chairman O G Thomas, FUW Meirionnydd county president D T Ellis and FUW vice president Richard Vaughan[/caption]
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Minister Alun Davies with Berwyn Roberts, Dolobran, Dinas Mawddwy, and FUW president Emyr Jones.[/caption]
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Tegwyn Jones, Talglannau, Mallwyd, with sons Guto and Huw and minister Alun Davies at the powerhouse[/caption]