NFU Cymru has met with newly elected MP for Brecon and Radnorshire, Jane Dodds at this year’s Brecon County Show.

At a time of great uncertainty in the political world, it said there has never been a greater need to set out why agriculture is so important to Wales, and president John Davies took the opportunity to discuss this with Mrs Dodds at the oldest agricultural show in Wales.

John Davies, NFU Cymru president said: “The agricultural industry underpins the Welsh food and drink sector worth £6.8 billion and a food and drink supply chain which employs 217,000 people. The EU has been open from the outset, that in the case of a no-deal Brexit, the UK would be subject to the full force of WTO tariffs. That means our lamb will be hit with an average tariff of 48 per cent, our beef a tariff of 84 per cent, 57 per cent on cheddar cheese and 37 per cent on poultry meat. In a prime food producing county such as Brecon and Radnorshire, these consequences would be simply shattering for our economy and communities.

“Our farming sector is now craving stability. We have seen beef prices plummet this summer, due to uncertainty over future trading relationships, there is concern that new trade deals will see imported beef produced to standards deemed illegal in Wales, as well as there being a challenging retail market. All these factors are contributing to a lack of confidence.”

Mr Davies concluded: “As we progress through the show season I find it heartening to see the next generation partaking, showing and competing in all aspects of these rural events. The contribution farming families bring to our constituency in rural Wales should not be underestimated, and it is vital that our elected representatives get us through these challenging times. We look forward to welcoming Jane Dodds MP out on farm, and ensuring farming’s voice is heard loud and clear in Westminster.”