NFU President Minette Batters paid a visit to Montgomeryshire for the first time in six years.
Ms Walters paid a visit to the farm of Dafydd and Glenys Jones at Maesllwyni, which is at Penegoes near Machynlleth, as part of her tour of Mid Wales.
“It was a pleasure to visit Mid-Wales through such a beautiful and diverse county and a wonderful opportunity to discuss the importance of grass-roots members and how vital their voices are to the whole of the NFU,” said Mrs Batters.
Montgomeryshire officeholders had the opportunity to discuss current issues and challenges facing the industry with the NFU President.
The discussion was widely varied, covering topics such as the pressure being put on farms by high energy prices, the ability of Welsh farms to produce renewable energy but the lack of capacity to export significant amounts as well as the pressure to farm-gate prices.
Mrs Batters also told the audience that Wales has the opportunity to ensure the new Welsh Agriculture Bill can deliver for the industry and that the NFU Cymru officeholder team are working hard to achieve this for their members.
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“We must achieve the loyalty of the British consumer and ensure they back British and Welsh produce; it is essential they understand the standards and values we hold in the industry to produce some of the highest quality food in the world,” added Ms Batters.
Discussion also covered striking independent trade deals and being able to sell British produce abroad.
Ms Batters however said that this “must be accompanied by a strategy that details how we will improve our trade diplomacy, including boots on the ground focusing on agri-food exports alongside measures to improve the productivity and competitiveness of UK farming.”
NFU Cymru Montgomeryshire Vice-County Chairman and host farmer, Dafydd Jones said: “I’d like to thank Minette Batters for taking the time out of her very busy schedule to come and visit us here in Montgomeryshire.
"The work that goes on behind the scenes with key decision makers at the highest level fills us with hope for the future of our industry.”
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