The Welsh branch of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has launched a report outlining its policy priorities for young farmers to coincide with the final debate of the Agriculture (Wales) Bill in the Senedd today (Tuesday, June 20).
Its Farming the future for the next generation report makes key recommendations as to how the Welsh government can support the next generation of farmers in Wales.
The report’s key points and asks include:
- Specific asks from the future Sustainable Farming Scheme in relation to supporting the active farmer, smooth transition and the use of capital grants;
- Exploring opportunities to make it easier for new and young entrants to access finance;
- Prioritising home-produced food and public procurement;
- Local authorities recognising the importance of the council farm network;
- Ensuring Welsh farming is portrayed accurately in the school curriculum and that children are given the opportunity to experience where their food comes from.
It also features case-study profiles of four members of NFU Cymru’s Next Generation Group to illustrate some of the issues facing young farmers today.
Speaking at the launch of the report, NFU Cymru president Aled Jones will said: “Our next generation of farmers want to capitalise on opportunities to grow our sector and our share of the produce consumed here in Wales and by the UK retail and food service sectors, expanding our reach in export markets, and increasing the proportion of Welsh food procured by our schools, hospitals and the public sector more broadly.
“They are ambitious for the future of Welsh food and drink.
“It is vital that the future policy landscape works for the next generation of farmers and that means it must be accessible and achievable by all, regardless of farm type, tenure, system or location.
“If our future farm policy is to deliver for our next generation of farmers and the people of Wales, it must be underpinned by long-term financial frameworks.
“I remain optimistic that if Welsh Government and the industry work together in genuine partnership we can design and implement policies that ensure Welsh farming can thrive for generations to come,” he added.
The launch event for the report is also part of NFU Cymru’s Celebration of Welsh Food and Farming Week, a week-long campaign aimed at promoting Welsh food and agriculture to politicians, stakeholders and the wider public.
Other events as part of the week’s celebration include on-farm meeting and lesson an agriculture for schools and children.
