NFU Cymru was delighted to welcome James Evans out on a farm in his constituency to plant a tree as part of the union’s #GrowingTogether campaign.

Brecon and Radnorshire MS Mr Evans visited Sharon Hammond’s home near Llandrindod Wells to plant an oak tree, supplied by Coed Cadw – the Woodland Trust in Wales, as part of NFU Cymru’s #GrowingTogether strategy for tree planting in Wales.

Against the background of ambitious targets to increase tree cover in Wales to help mitigate and adapt to the challenges presented by climate change, the initiative promotes a philosophy to future tree planting in Wales that advocates more trees integrated into farming systems – allowing food production, farming, trees, nature, landscapes and rural communities to thrive.

Brecon and Radnor NFU Cymru county vice chair, Ms Hammond, said: “We are delighted that James Evans could join us to plant a tree at the farm diversification, Quackers.

“Engaging with politicians like James is a vital component of spreading awareness of our campaign and sharing our ambitions with all those who have an interest in delivering the outcomes we all want to see.

“At NFU Cymru we firmly believe agriculture is uniquely placed to be part of the solution to climate change, and are working towards the goal of net zero agriculture by 2040, producing the most climate friendly food in the world. We recognise the vital role that our trees, hedgerows and the wider landscape will play in carbon storage to help achieve our net zero goal.

“We want to ensure that Wales’s ambitious targets for tree planting are progressed in a way that safeguards the multiple economic, environmental, social and cultural benefits that Welsh farming provides.”

Mr Evans said: “I am delighted to have planted this Welsh oak tree and support NFU Cymru in its tree planting campaign.

“Farmers are the solution to addressing our climate change commitments and tree planting is a key part of reducing our carbon emissions so we live in a greener and cleaner world.”

The NFU Cymru #GrowingTogether pledge stems from the union’s Growing Together: A strategy for sustainably increasing tree cover in Wales report, launched in September 2021. The document is a blueprint identifying the barriers and opportunities that exist to deliver on these objectives while safeguarding thriving rural communities and ensuring the continued production of high quality, affordable food in Wales.

For more information about NFU Cymru’s tree strategy and the campaign, visit www.nfu-cymru.org.uk.