A delegation of farmers from Brecon and Radnor NFU Cymru branch recently travelled to Westminster to meet with Fay Jones MP.

A host of issues face rural communities and the difficulties to run businesses in remote areas are becoming more prominent.

NFU Cymru Brecon & Radnor County Chair Sharon Hammond said: “Rural businesses should not be handicapped by having to take extended journey times to undertake simple business transactions. Farmers in the constituency are being forced to travel up to 40 miles to carry out basic banking business activities. Broadband coverage is limited in the county and the need for improved connectivity is heightening. We are asked to complete geotagged photographs for schemes and the limited coverage is preventing farmers from entering into schemes.

“Rural areas should have access to the same level of digital service and infrastructure as urban areas, including better speed, coverage and reliability.”

Members present also raised the importance of funding for agriculture and the need for the current, as well as future, Westminster Governments not only to ensure that support remains in place for Wales’ farmers, but that our politicians look to restore its real-terms value which has been significantly eroded by very high rates of agricultural inflation over the last few years.  

Brecon and Radnorshire farmers meet with Fay Jones MP in Westminster
Discussions were held on the pressing issues facing farmers in Wales (.)

NFU Cymru Brecon & Radnor County Vice Chairman Rob Powell said: “As well as providing security to farming businesses, the BPS is also a boost for our rural businesses and communities, along with the Welsh language, as Welsh farms provide the economic, social and cultural foundation of our rural towns and villages across Wales. 

“The support we receive via the BPS provides stability to farm businesses and is crucial in maintaining the supply of safe, high quality and affordable food to all in society, whilst at the same time rewarding Welsh farmers looking after 80% of Wales’ land area. 

“In 2022, farming delivered a gross output of £2.1 billion pounds. We can say confidently, therefore, there is a nine to one return for every BPS pound invested in Welsh farming. By any measure farming delivers excellent value for money.”

Brecon & Radnorshire MP Fay Jones said: “It was a pleasure to be joined by local members of NFU Cymru.

“Issues discussed included banking, not just irregular access to cash, but also de-banking and severe delays in cashing crucial cheques. These issues are all exacerbated by poor connectivity - matters I will raise in my upcoming meeting with the Economic Secretary to the Treasury.”