TWO weeks ago, I had the privilege of visiting the Royal Welsh Show in Llanelwedd, one of my personal highlights during the summer recess.
Whether it is the competitors showcasing their talents in the Maes, the local food being served at the Food Hall, or the stalls selling the very best of Welsh produce, the Show highlighted how agriculture connects every inch of our communities. It boosts the local economy, sustains family businesses, and helps to provide vital resources across Wales.
As I walked around the showground, one thing that stood out to me was the diverse range of people enjoying the day. With so much of Wales being shaped by its rural communities, it was wonderful to see people from both urban and rural communities coming together at the Royal Welsh Show in the spirit of Welsh agriculture.
Furthermore, the new legislation being developed by Welsh Government which requires public authorities across a wide range of sectors to consider the need of rural areas when developing and implementing policy and public services, recognises these growing connections between all parts of Wales to help support the agricultural sector.
I was particularly moved by the passion and dedication exhibited by the people I spoke to at the Show. Welsh farmers remain committed to providing high quality, affordable produce and services that benefits all families across Wales.
I was pleased to discuss with farmers at the Show the roll out of the New National Food Strategy. This will explore ways of strengthening and promoting Welsh food and drink producers and retailers, empowering producers, and retailers, while ensuring communities across Wales benefit from our incredible food and drink sector.
Farmers from Pen-y-Bont Bro Morgannwg also reminded me of the challenges that the agricultural sector faced under previous government decisions which led to years of uncertainty around funding cycles for farming businesses.
I am proud to see the latest commitment from the Welsh Government to deliver a three-year funding cycle for all farmers in Wales so that they can begin planning the long-term development of their family farm.
The Royal Welsh Show brought together multi-generational farming families, vendors, competitors, and general members of the public in a celebration of Welsh agriculture and shared appreciation we all share for this vital industry.
I am looking forward to the Vale Show next week and seeing this same sense of community, connection, and celebration here in Pen-y-Bont Bro Morgannwg.
By Mark Hooper, MS
The views expressed by columnists of this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of the Glamorgan Star, its employees or its proprietors.
- First Minister accused of ‘letting victims down’ over grooming gangs inquiry
- Shock as Reform MS joins Plaid Cymru
- Let’s build something better for our communities
- Plaid Cymru is ignoring plight of Heath Hospital
- Vale Show highlights importance of the rural economy
News, Letters, Sport and advertising are welcomed by the Glamorgan Star – the largest newspaper or magazine in the Vale of Glamorgan. Contact us today here.
First Minister accused of ‘letting victims down’ over grooming gangs inquiry
What does my ‘Sentinel Apiary’ actually do?
Trio are sentenced over ‘drugs in prison’ plot
The bells, the bells – bringing a Time and Tide Bell to Barry
Penalty shoot out leads to Cup exit for Airport
Ring rusty Barry RFC make a promising start
j
⭐ All of our social media in one handy place – here
