THE HERALD FRIDAY JANUARY 27 2017


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Farmers cannot ‘shoulder the burden alone’ says FUW


13 News Gas company colleagues raise thousands


(L-R): Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies (event sponsor), Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths, and FUW President Glyn Roberts


THE FARMERS’ UNION OF


WALES (FUW) has told Assembly Members in Cardiff at its annual Farmhouse Breakfast that farmers can’t be expected to shoulder the burden of in-effective bovine disease control measures any longer and renewed its call to tackle the disease in badger populations. Speaking at the 17th Farmhouse


Breakfast, FUW President Glyn Roberts told Assembly Members: “We cannot expect farmers to continue to shoulder the burden of new interventions without there being appropriate support, nor can we ignore the call for pro-active management of disease in wildlife.” Mr Roberts acknowledged that


whilst farmers see some progress in terms of dealing with diseased badgers, the FUW strongly urges the Welsh Government to address the issue of badger culling far more robustly.


“Nearly 10,000 cattle were


slaughtered last year, in a one-sided approach to dealing with the problem. The results of the recent consultation show that the farmers of Wales are expecting a more robust solution that also deals with wildlife,” he told Assembly Members and breakfast guests. He further stressed that we must


not fall into the trap of forming opinions based on emotions rather than facts in political and public life and that there is an urgent need to base our future strategy on evidence-based information from impartial research. Appreciating that we are living in different times, challenging times,


and perhaps the most uncertain times that many will have experienced in decades, Mr Roberts further said that the decision to leave the European Union will have a profound effect on the Welsh economy, none more so than the agricultural sector. “Although we must be optimistic


and hope for the best possible outcome following the referendum result and the plans laid out by Prime Minister Theresa May, we cannot hide from reality: 90% of Welsh agricultural exports go to the EU, and 80% of farmers income is derived from the Common Agricultural Policy,” added Mr Roberts. Breakfast guests in Cardiff Bay


further heard that the Union has spent a lot of time around tables with other organisations discussing a way forward for the agricultural industry in the last six months and that in collaboration with the Welsh Government, the FUW and other organisations, have come together to craft a vision for agriculture post- Brexit.


“I’m really pleased at both the


progress and the level of engagement that we have seen over recent months but none of us truly know what the future holds and of course the details of any settlement will be crucial. “But the FUW is convinced that


the devolved powers for agriculture will be best managed through a carefully crafted framework that recognises the power of devolution. And by working closely with our government here in Wales, we will be able to create a solution that is right for Wales.”


Pensioner injured in quad bike collision A COLLISION involving a quad


bike in the Llan Ffestiniog area has left a man in ‘life-threatening’ condition. At approximately 3.30pm on Wedn


esday afternoon (Jan 25), police were called about a one-vehicle collision. The driver of the quad bike, who The Herald understands is in his 80s,


was then airlifted to a hospital in Stoke with ‘life-threatening’ injuries. A police spokesperson said: “We


are appealing to anybody who may have witnesses the collision to contact us.”


If you have information about


the collision, please contact police by calling 101.


Reaching targets: Staff at Wales & West Utilities successfully raise £65,000 for charity COLLEAGUES at a gas


distribution company have raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity following a year-round fundraising effort. Staff at Wales & West Utilities


have successfully raised £65,000 for worthwhile causes – with over £22,000 provided in match-funding by their employer. The money, which was raised


throughout last year, has seen colleagues participate in a range of events, from running marathons, skydiving from 10,000 feet and hosting darts nights. A total of 96 staff took part in the fundraising efforts. Charities set to benefit from the


funds include the Velindre Cancer Centre, Mind, Ty Hafan, Diabetes UK, St David’s Hospice Care and the Ayla


Mae – Three Steps Forward charity, amongst others. Bethan Spencer, a Planner for


Wales & West Utilities who ran the Cardiff Half Marathon with her husband, James, raised over £1,000 for the Velindre Cancer Centre. She said: “Velindre Cancer Centre is a cause very close to my heart. Raising money for them to work on a cure for this terrible illness was the best thing about taking part – and it’s great that Wales & West Utilities could support me.


“The support along the route was


amazing. It really made me feel it was all worthwhile and helped me get over the line.” People and Engagement Director


Sarah Hopkins said: “This last year has been our most successful year


for match-funding our colleagues’ fundraising efforts. We are committed to supporting the charitable work of our team and they are all doing a fantastic job in raising money to help a host of charities across the county that are obviously so close to our colleagues’ hearts. “Our match-funding contribution


seeks to make the money raised go further and we hope that 2017 will be an even bigger and better year!” Wales & West Utilities, the gas


emergency and pipeline service, brings energy to 7.5m people across Wales and the south-west of England. If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call Wales & West Utilities, who have engineers on call to help, on 0800 111 999.


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