Farmers from across Wales gathered at the NFU Cymru Conference to hear expert insights.

The event, held at The Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells, Powys, attracted a crowd keen to gain knowledge and inspiration at a 'critical time' for the industry.

NFU Cymru president Aled Jones opened the conference by challenging the UK Government on the impacts of its 'family farm tax' changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR).

Mr Jones also highlighted the need for the Welsh Government to provide a budget for Welsh agriculture that reinstates funds lost through cuts last year and supports the industry in meeting its food, environment, and climate obligations.

He also touched upon the topics of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), water quality, and bovine TB.

The keynote political address was delivered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies.

He emphasised the importance of the conference's theme, 'Securing the Future of Welsh Food', and provided an update on forthcoming budget and policy announcements.

The following session, titled 'Securing sustainable and resilient food systems', saw Professor Tim Lang discuss the 'fragility of our food networks' and the need for the industry to 'better protect itself against future challenges and shocks.'

The Food session featured Katie Palmer of Food Sense Wales, Professor Susan Jebb from the Food Standards Agency, and First Milk’s Shelagh Hancock, who discussed opportunities available for primary producers in Wales.

After lunch, Dr Matthew Wall, associate professor of politics, philosophy, and international relations at Swansea University, gave a presentation on the political landscape in Wales and its potential impact on food and farming.

The conference's final session saw John Murray, director of food, beverage, and horticulture sectors at Bord Bia – The Irish Food Board, provide a perspective from the food chain in Ireland.

During the session, Mr Murray stressed the importance of agriculture maintaining the confidence of the public.

NFU Cymru deputy president Abi Reader closed the conference by summarising each of the sessions and their take-home messages, before thanking the contributors and the audience.

NFU Cymru president Aled Jones said: "The next few months will see crucial decisions made on the budget and policy landscape in Wales that will determine and define farming for our generation and those that follow in our footsteps.

"I am pleased that so many of our members were able to attend the NFU Cymru Conference and listen to the insight provided by the excellent speakers that took to the stage.

"Every year I continue to be impressed with the calibre of the speakers we’re able to attract to this event to speak to our members.

"I’m sure everyone will have taken away a thought or idea from the conference that they will look to utilise in the running of their business at home."