A West Wales farmer and entrepreneur has been recognised for his services to agriculture with the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) External Award for services to agriculture.
Brian Jones set up his own company, Castell Howell Foods, in the early 1980s based on the sale of chickens and has continued to grow from strength to strength.
Today, Castell Howell Foods is one of the biggest employers in Carmarthenshire, employing approximately 670 people and generating a turnover of £110 million.
Presenting the award, FUW president Glyn Roberts said: “Brian has done so much for agriculture and his passion for Wales as a food destination is infectious.
“His commitment to do what is good for Wales as well his Celtic Pride brand is an example of that and should serve as an example to others. The award is well and truly deserved and we thank Brian for all he does.”
‘Passionate about Welsh produce’
Brian is passionate about putting Wales on the food map and takes pride in sourcing and promoting indigenous produce, offering a wide range of Welsh foods including Celtic Pride beef.
He was selected to represent the food industry as the True Taste Ambassador for 2006-07 and in 2008 was included in the New Years Honours List and was awarded an MBE for his services to the food industry.
Brian is also an associate of the Royal Agricultural Society and a previous president of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show. He was made an Honorary Fellow of Aberystwyth University in 2014.
“His generosity and support extends to all aspects of the community whether it is artistic, sporting or rural calendar events, or fundraisers held for local charities. He is a stalwart for the farming industry, not just in Carmarthenshire – but for all of Wales,” added Roberts.
