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It’s great to know that women are finally being recognised as a core part of our industry. Women in farming don’t always appreciate that we face the same constraints and challenges. Today has been a fantastic networking event which will ensure we overcome our difficulties together,” was the view of Sarah Lewis who farms in Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant, one of the 160 delegates registered for this year’s Farming Connect Women in Agriculture forum held at the Royal Welsh showground in Llanelwedd.
The event, billed as ‘inspiring, motivating and empowering’, lived up to expectations with the day’s packed programme of presentations and workshops clearly striking a chord with those present.
One of the key aims of this year’s event was to encourage delegates to join a Women in Agriculture Forum for Wales, with branches suggested for both north and south Wales. Discussions from the Forum will help influence the development of a post-Brexit Agricultural Policy. With more than sixty women signing up to take part, the recruitment campaign now underway has had an excellent start.
Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, gave the keynote address at the start of the afternoon session.
The Cabinet Secretary’s message included an acknowledgement of the important role women play in many farm businesses as drivers for change, business development and modernisation.
“Women play a pivotal role in the development of so many Welsh businesses and are very often the driving force behind the business planning and financial aspects of the farm, along with juggling home and work life.
“I intend, through the current Farming Connect programme, to find more ways of supporting women and harnessing their collective abilities, knowledge and keenness to help modernise the industry.”
One of the key talking points during the day was Brexit and its implications on the agriculture industry in Wales.
The event attracted women of all ages from across Wales, representing different sectors of our food and farming industries. Many commented on the benefits of bringing like-minded women together, providing the opportunity to network and exchange ideas with like-minded individuals.
Farmer’s wife Buddug Jones from Bala concluded, “I feel the new Women’s Forum for Wales will give me a chance as a starter farmer to make sure that the voice of the younger generation is heard as the Welsh Government plans its new agriculture strategy post-Brexit.”
Director of BT Wales and farmers’ daughter Alwen Williams, gave an inspiring talk based on her personal ‘leadership’ story, which led to many questions on how women can break through barriers and succeed in what is often perceived as a male-dominated environment.
The event was chaired by author and television personality Bethan Gwanas and following a message of welcome from Rhian Duggan, a recent past president of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, it was straight down to work for the delegates as they took part in three workshops.
“Developing an agricultural policy for Wales post Brexit – a women’s perspective’ was facilitated by rural solicitor and farmer Nerys Llewelyn Jones; ‘Connecting with others’ was facilitated by Manon Edwards Ahir, director of ‘mela’, a bilingual communications and marketing company, and ‘Starting difficult conversations’, facilitated by Elaine Rees Jones, an Agrisgôp leader and mentor.
The Minister briefly joined a lively networking session organised by facilitator and mentor Olwen Thomas, well known for her work with the Farming Connect Agri-Academy.