8 July 2019
Eirwen Williams, director of rural programmes with Menter a Busnes, which together with Lantra Wales, delivers Farming Connect on behalf of the Welsh Government, says that with the current political and economic uncertainties, there has never been a more important time for the industry, especially business owners, to prepare for the future and ensure that every business achieves its potential across all areas of working.
“At this year’s Royal Welsh Show, we will be launching the names and locations of the recently recruited demonstration site network businesses.
“We hope you’ll visit us at the Lantra Building (Avenue K) where our technical teams and regional development officers will be seeking industry feedback as we plan the next round of trials and projects for the new demonstration network to undertake as part of its three-year delivery cycle.
“Trial different systems now so that you can implement them with confidence and knowledge in the future” will be our mantra as we plan a comprehensive programme of open days and events to ensure the industry keeps abreast of up to date research, cutting edge technologies and innovative, more efficient and profitable ways of working,” says Mrs Williams.
If you have any suggestions or ideas on how agriculture can contribute to the Welsh Government’s target of a million Welsh speakers by 2050 and an opinion about the ‘best things’ in rural Wales, you should take a few minutes to visit the Farming Connect Agri-Booth, also in the Lantra building. Part of Farming Connect’s ‘Iaith y pridd/Language of the land’ initiative which encourages Welsh businesses to add value to their produce through use of the Welsh language and heritage, and is an opportunity to enjoy ‘lights, camera, action’ as you make your views known to help shape the future delivery of Welsh language services for the industry.
You have the opportunity to ‘meet a mentor’ each day of the show at 2.30pm, which Farming Connect hopes will encourage you to apply for up to 22.5 hours of fully-funded independent support on any particular challenges or concerns you might have. Visit the Farming Connect website to find out more about this popular initiative.
The stand will include information leaflets, podcasts and videos which will bring you up to speed with a wide range of topics, as well as booklets on farm health and safety.
“Unfortunately, farming has the highest number of workplace accidents than almost any other sector. We encourage you to take home our handy booklets, and if you or even just one family member spends a few minutes reading it and takes a few simple precautions, you’ll have helped reduce the risks of an on-farm accident. Families may also want to seek out the popular ‘kids’ corner’ which will run daily competitions to help children identify potential danger areas on farms,” said Mrs Williams.
Farming Connect is delivered by Menter a Busnes and Lantra Wales and funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.