FUW PRESIDENT MEETS RURAL POLITICIANS AT PEMBROKESHIRE SHOW

Farmers' Union of Wales president Gareth Vaughan will hold wide-ranging talks with two Welsh Assembly members with strong rural connections on the first day (Tuesday, August 19) of the three-day Pembrokeshire County Show near Haverfordwest.

Mr Vaughan will meet the Assembly's Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs Brynle Williams and local AM Paul Davies. "We will be discussing a variety of issues including milk price cuts in supermarkets, cost sharing proposals, TB, and sheep EID," said Mr Vaughan.

"Also, due to the AMs' keen interest in rural affairs, I will take the opportunity to raise the FUW's concerns about the lack of affordable rural housing and cuts in rural services, NVZ proposals, and the future of the Common Agricultural Policy."

Staff from the Environment Agency will once again be on the FUW stand between 11am and 2pm every day of the show to provide advice on how good farming practices can reduce the risk of pollution and can also help cut costs.

Guidance will be available on a wide range of issues including manure management, soil protection, nutrient management plans, clean and dirty water separation, sheep dip best practice and general pollution prevention.

"Why not call in for a chat and see how you could save money," said FUW Pembrokeshire county executive officer Rebecca Williams.

Representatives from the Land Registry will also be on the stand on the Tuesday and Wednesday to provide advice and information on how to register land with them and protect farmers' interests.

Currently, the Land Registry is offering a 25 per cent discount to all farmers who voluntarily register their land for the first time.

A meeting has been arranged with Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb MP and FUW officers on the Wednesday when the union we will be presenting the Pembrokeshire FUW Countryside Award in the main ring.

On the Thursday a team of three FUW members will take part in a sausage eating challenge organised by the YFC, with the NFU and Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society also competing. The FUW Endeavour Award to a Pembrokeshire College agriculture student will be presented on the same day.