FUW honours former president with top award

Former president of the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) Glyn Roberts has been recognised for his services to Welsh agriculture, being presented with the FUW Internal Award at this week’s Royal Welsh Show.

Mr Roberts was first elected president of the FUW in 2015, before being re-elected in 2020 and serving until 2023.

His presidency coincided with several major challenges for the agricultural sector in Wales and the UK, including the Brexit referendum and the subsequent negotiations on the UK’s departure from the European Union.

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Mr Roberts led many lengthy discussions on the Welsh agricultural framework and funding that followed, as well as leading the union through the pressures of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Glyn Roberts is a tireless champion for the interests of Welsh agriculture and has shown unwavering commitment towards the Farmers’ Union of Wales throughout his life,” said FUW president Ian Rickman, who served as deputy to Mr Roberts.

Mr Rickman added that the former president’s leadership, good humour and unwavering dedication to Wales’ rural communities shone throughout, securing key wins for Welsh farmers during his term.

Early career

Mr Roberts served as FUW Caernarfonshire chairman between 1999 and 2002, and as a member of the FUW’s finance and organisation committee between 2003 and 2004.

Following his time as president, he was appointed as a FUW life member.

He has also previously served as a non-executive director on the board of Hybu Cig Cymru and in 2019 was honoured by the Gorsedd of Bards at the National Eisteddfod in Dyffryn Conwy.

A first-generation sheep and beef farmer, his agriculture journey began in 1976, completing a full-time course at Glynllifon Agricultural College.

He went on to work as a shepherd at Dylasau Uchaf, Padog, before successfully applying in 1977 for the tenancy of a 100-acre upland farm, Ynys Wen, Ysbyty Ifan

In 1983 he secured the tenancy of Dylasau Uchaf, a 350-acre farm owned by the National Trust, where he continues to farm with his wife Eleri.

They have raised five children on the farm, with his daughter, Beca, now a partner in the farming business.