The Minister said: “Congratulations to everyone who has been recognised within either the Farming Connect or other categories in this year’s prestigious Lantra Cymru Awards, which is now in its 29th year.
“The Awards recognise the lifelong learning achievements of the many who, through their significant skills and abilities, contribute not only to agriculture, horticulture and forestry but to the wider rural agenda in Wales, to our rural economy and to the communities where they live and work.
“Each nominee’s clear commitment to continuous professional development and achievements within the environmental and land-based sectors, is doing so much to maintain professional, modern standards within our industry.
“They are making a significant contribution, not only within your own particular area of working, but to the sustainability and modernisation of Welsh agriculture long term.”
This year’s awards, announced at a celebratory event held in the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells on January 18, provided an opportunity for all those in the industry to pay tribute to the achievements of the students and trainees nominated. Attended by many from the agriculture, horticulture and forestry sectors throughout Wales, including representatives from Wales’ key rural stakeholder organisations, as well as many of the land-based training providers and rural colleges in Wales approved to deliver Farming Connect subsidised accredited training courses.
Lantra Wales director, Kevin Thomas, chaired this year’s selection panels which included skills and training specialists Trefor Owen, Llinos Samuel of Lantra Wales, horticulturist and Farming Connect mentor, Debbie Handley of Amber Wheeler of the Landworkers’ Alliance and Benjamin Barnes of ADAS.