Hundreds of delegates are expected to gather in Llandrindod Wells for the NFU Cymru Conference 2024.

The annual event, titled 'Securing the Future of Welsh Food', will take place at the Metropole Hotel on Thursday, November 7, from 10am.

The focus of the conference will be on the need to secure sustainable food systems.

The event is known for its high standard of speakers, and this year is no exception.

The conference will kick off with an opening speech from NFU Cymru President, Aled Jones.

 

This will be followed by a keynote address and Q&A session with Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS.

The second session will revolve around the theme of securing sustainable and resilient food systems.

Professor Tim Lang, Emeritus Professor of Food Policy at City University London's Centre for Food Policy, will lead the discussion.

The subsequent session will feature three industry leaders: Katie Palmer, programme manager at Food Sense Wales; Professor Susan Jebb, chair of the Food Standards Agency; and Shelagh Hancock, chief executive Officer at First Milk.

They will explore opportunities for Welsh food producers.

After lunch, Dr Matthew Wall, associate professor of Politics, Philosophy and International Relations at Swansea University, will lead a session on the Welsh political landscape.

The final session will see John Murray, director of Meat, Food and Beverages at Bord Bia – The Irish Food Board, speak about the Irish experience of securing and developing markets.

NFU Cymru Director, John Mercer, said: "Each year, we receive great feedback for the calibre of speakers we are able to attract to NFU Cymru Conference.

"Our 2024 line-up promises to be one of our best events to date, given the speakers who have agreed to join us this year.

"We are especially pleased to be receiving a keynote address by our Cabinet Secretary, Huw Irranca-Davies MS.

"At such a crucial time for Welsh farming, we look forward to hearing about the progress made on the Sustainable Farming Scheme proposals and Welsh Government’s work on key policy areas including bovine TB and water quality regulations.

"At a time when farming is being asked to deliver so much in terms of food security, nature and climate, we need Welsh Government to put policies and adequate budget in place that will allow us to continue to deliver on these objectives."

He encouraged interested members to confirm their attendance as soon as possible.

Members wishing to attend the conference can register by calling 01982 554200, emailing nfu.cymru@nfu.org.uk, or via the NFU Cymru website.