AGRICULTURE now has a brighter home in Haverfordwest.

The newly refurbished Agriculture House, the base of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and NFU Mutual in Haverfordwest, was officially opened last week by NFU president and local union member Meurig Raymond.

The building had undergone months of extensive work to create a new, larger open-plan office space, which is designed to be more customer friendly, and a new meeting room.

Speaking at one of his first official ‘homecoming’ events, Mr Raymond said: “I’m delighted to be here in Haverfordwest opening this huge development.”

“The development that’s taken place sends a strong message to the membership and a strong message to the people of Pembrokeshire about how important farming is to Pembrokeshire and how important the NFU is as an organisation to farmers. I congratulate and compliment you all.”

Mr Raymond cut the ribbon along with Richard Percy, chairman of NFU Mutual, local union officials and trustees of the NFU Pembrokeshire Trust, who own the building on behalf of the NFU.

Haverfordwest NFU Cymru group secretary Howell Davies said: “People have always valued good service from local businesses and our philosophy has always been to provide an attentive and personal service for members.”

Cara Norman, assistant agent, added: “We feel that supporting the rural community is a very important role for our business. Being able to talk to our members face-to-face about their insurance or financial needs is very reassuring and is the reason why many people insure and renew with us.”

The building on Winch Lane also houses Pembrokeshire YFC and an accountancy firm.