SOME of Wales’ leaders in agriculture have spent time discussing the industry and their aspirations for it with the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs at a meeting in mid Wales.

Lesley Griffiths met members of the Farming Connect Agri Academy Alumni on the farm of Mark Williams at Forden, near Welshpool, Powys, to hear their views and ideas for the industry as part of a fact-finding meeting that will help guide future government policy.

Part of a pioneering personal development programme in its fourth year with almost 80 alumni, 11 members of the Agri Academy met with the Cabinet Secretary.

Lesley Griffiths said: “Since my ministerial appointment I have made it my priority to meet as many people from Wales’ agriculture industry as possible to hear at first hand the challenges and opportunities facing them.

“The meeting with the Farming Connect Agri Academy Alumni has been an important opportunity to hear the thoughts of Wales’ current and future farmers. I am grateful for the warm welcome they gave me and to Mark Williams for hosting the visit. I will be certain to take their views on board as I work closely with Wales’ farming communities to develop a prosperous and resilient Welsh agriculture industry in the years ahead.”

Mark Williams, an Agri Academy Alumni member whose farm hosted the meeting, said it was important for the views of farmers of all generations and those involved in its future to help form future government agricultural policy.

“There are many opportunities and hurdles facing individuals and the agricultural community as a whole in Wales.

“We need to ensure the views of the grassroot rural community are heard and discussed and having the opportunity to meet with the Cabinet Secretary in an informal setting allowed us to highlight and discuss such ideas and issues at first hand,” said Mr Williams.

Eirwen Williams, Director of rural programmes at Menter a Busnes which manages the Welsh Government’s Farming Connect programme, said the Agri-Academy Alumni had covered a range of issues and future insight.