FUW points finger
FUW points finger
THE Farmers Union of Wales has accused its rival union in Wales of stealing its core policy.
This followed a statement by Hugh Richards, president of NFU Cymru-Wales at the NFUs annual conference in London. In this he conceded that there are big differences between English and Welsh farming, and called on the Welsh Assembly to tailor agricultural policy to better suit the needs of Welsh farmers (News Jan 26).
The tongue-in-cheek response of Bob Parry, FUW president, was to welcome the NFUs refreshing, if belated, acceptance of what had been the main plank of his unions policy since it was established.
in 1955.
"It appears as though the NFU now agrees with the FUWs view that policies for Wales must be formulated and implemented in Wales," said Mr Parry.
It was gratifying to hear Mr Richards supporting the policy the FUW had promoted for decades. Only two weeks ago his union had, in almost identical terms, told the Welsh Assembly that it was inappropriate to enforce farm policies on an England and Wales basis.
"The assembly must be prepared to ensure that the needs of Welsh farmers are put first. They must not compromise to meet the demands of farmers in other parts of the UK, particularly the large arable farmers of England, who are a world away from the realities of life on a Welsh farm."