Montgomeryshire young farmers have held a discussion evening with Russell George MS and Craig Williams MP.

Representatives from Montgomery NFU, FUW, CLA, Grassland Society, Nuffield Cymru and Powys County Council also took part.

Much of the discussion centred on the Control of Agriculture Pollution (NVZ) regulations as members and friends of YFC to highlighted their concerns regarding regulations that will have a drastic impact on farmers in Montgomeryshire, and across Wales.

A lively debate was had between all parties attending and questions were answered by Russell George, Member of the Senedd, said: “I was pleased to take part in the discussion, chaired by County YFC Chair Bryony Wilson.

“Points raised during the discussion, I was able to make in a Senedd debate this week.

“The Welsh Government’s decision to implement NVZs across Wales is simply the wrong approach.

“On numerous occasions the Minister promised farmers she wouldn’t introduce these regulations while we were still dealing with the coronavirus crisis.

“I will be voting against the regulations.

“I thank Montgomery YFC for their work in promoting the implications for the farming community that these regulations, if passed, will have on our farming businesses.”

The meeting was held on zoom and over 100 members and friends of Montgomery YFC joined the debate.

Craig Williams MP also thanked the group for the support we have given to our communities during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

He said: “It was a pleasure to join the discussion evening which was very informative and engaging.

“It was an incredibly important discussion, especially with the upcoming Senedd vote on the NVZ regulations.

“I hope many members will have responded to the proposal and made their voices heard with their local Senedd Members, both constituency MS’s and regional in this crucial vote.

“I know just how much fantastic work Montgomeryshire YFC does for young farmers in our area and to see members so engaged with these key political issues shows just how important it is that the Welsh Government listen to those who work in the agriculture sector to deliver effective policy.

“I look forward to working more with the YFC when restrictions allow.”

We were pleased to invite representatives from other bodies including Aled Griffiths, Montgomery NFU who was an avid member of young farmers and to be involved in such a discussion with current young farmers was great to see.

He said: “It was a real pleasure for me, as a past Chairman of Montgomery YFC, to see that the organisation is flourishing. I would strongly encourage members, their families and friends to write to their Senedd Members to lobby them to support NFU Cymru’s campaign to overturn the Welsh Government’s NVZ proposals.

"This is a critical time for us all during a pandemic, and the first duty of any government is to feed and protect its population – putting these disproportionate rules in place will curb Welsh Farmers’ ability to produce food.”

Also Emyr Wyn Davies of the Montgomery branch of the FUW said “Thank you to Montgomery YFC for arranging an informative meeting for all.

“The meeting gave an opportunity for all those who attended the platform to engage with elected representatives and other organisations within the county.”