The virtual farmhouse breakfast week organised by the Farmers’ Union of Wales has been a roaring success. The campaign didn’t just raise the profile of local food, its producers and retailers but vital funds for the DPJ Foundation.

Under normal circumstances the FUW would have held breakfast events across Wales in village halls, cafes, marts and farmhouse kitchens, however the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown meant a change of plan.

The campaign raised vital funds for the mental health charity DPJ Foundation by asking consumers to make a small donation alongside their breakfast produce purchase.

“The donations are still coming in but the current total through our JustGiving page is £931," said FUW president Glyn Roberts.

"I’m delighted that so many people have made a donation to this important cause and I must mention Ela and Huw Roberts of OincOink who alone raised over £1,300 contributing to a total from Caernarfonshire of £2,000+, which takes our total raised close to £3,000.

"Ela and all the family prepared over 70 hampers which included multiple breakfasts with very kind donations from The Farm Gate, Mynytho; Wyau Desach, Clynog Fawr; Wyau Llŷn and Wynnstay, Pengroeslon. A tremendous effort.”

Mr Roberts added that poor mental health remains an issue in rural communities and our normal ways of coping, such as meeting friends and family, visiting the marts and being social in person are sadly still not an option.

“We must make every effort to keep sharing the load through other means such as video calls, messages and the old fashioned phone call. The money raised will help the DPJ Foundation to continue their excellent service to our farming communities and I encourage those who feel like they need help to get in touch with them,” he added.

The FUW’s Farmhouse breakfast week JustGiving page will remain active for a few dyas more and those wanting to make a donation can do so here: justgiving.com/fundraising/fuw-breakfast-week

In supporting the Farmers Union of Wales' Farmhouse Breakfast Week, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Senedd candidate Sam Kurtz has praised farmers for their efforts throughout the pandemic.

Enjoying his locally sourced farmhouse breakfast before TB testing cattle with his father on the family beef farm, Sam Kurtz said: "Farmers play a hugely important role, not only in our local economy, but also in providing food security for our nation. Welsh farmers consistently grow and rear the finest products with some of the highest animal health standards in the world.

"Throughout the pandemic, come rain or shine, farmers have been going to work to ensure food remains on the shelves and counters of our shops and butchers. They are one of the many unsung heroes of the pandemic and I'd like to thank them for all they have done and continue to do."