Three groups of ambitious individuals whose futures are being shaped by the Farming Connect Agri Academy shared their experiences in a joint presentation to Lesley Griffiths AM, Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair.
It was evident that members of the 2018 Agri Academy Business and Innovation, Rural Leadership and Junior Academy Programmes share many goals and aspirations, not only for their own futures but for that of rural Wales.
For the Rural Leadership Group, members’ hopes for the future of Welsh farming, the Welsh language, culture and many other aspects of rural life were voiced in a lively video message to politicians and industry leaders, unveiled during the presentation.
Ffion Medi Rees, of Llandeilo, who jointly led the presentation with Carmarthenshire dairy farmer Manon Williams, said topping the ‘wish-list’ were opportunities for young entrants, food security, improved water quality and preservation of the Welsh language.
"Importantly, the overall future framework for Welsh agriculture must enable farmers to make a sustainable living off the land," She Said.
The Rural Leadership Group, whose membership has been described as one of the most diverse since the highly popular Agri Academy was established six years ago, is part-way through the course; to date, members have had meetings in Brussels with representatives of several countries and networked with people of influence.
For participants of the Business and Innovation Programme, a four-day study tour of Iceland beckoned.
They were also set the challenge of drawing up action plans for a real-life family farm.
These plans, based on original research and recommendations for delivering sustainability and profitability, were scrutinised by a panel of judges, including Professor Wynne Jones OBE FRAgS, chair of the Farming Connect strategic advisory board.
The winning plan, announced by Professor Jones at the Winter Fair, was prepared by Brecon beef and sheep farmer, Kayleigh Rees-Jones.
It is the second year running her family has been awarded the winner’s plaque – her husband, Huw, won the competition last year.
The Junior Academy members were presented with certificates by Professor Jones.
For information on the Farming Connect Agri-Academy 2019, call Menter a Busnes on 01970 636565 or email farmingconnect@menterabusnes.co.uk
Background information:
This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
The Farming Connect Knowledge Transfer Programme and Advisory Service is delivered by Menter a Busnes on behalf of Welsh Government. Lantra Wales leads on the delivery of the Farming Connect Lifelong Learning and Development Programme.