A fundraising event has been organised by Glamorgan NFU and YFC to raise money for the farmers in Somerset affected by the floods.
"The purpose of this event is to raise as much money as possible for our fellow farmers in the Somerset levels who remain flooded and will certainly be facing financial hardship as they struggle to restore their livelihoods after the flood waters subside," said Abi Reader, NFU Cymru Glamorgan County Chairman.
"Please try and make every effort to support us at this event, but if you cannot make it, you can still make a donation at the NFU Cymru office in Bridgend."
The entertainment will be provided by Maendy and Wick YFC, who will be performing their recent entertainment features at the Glamorgan finals. Maendy will use the evening as a dress rehearsal before representing Glamorgan at the Welsh finals in March. In addition to the YFC entertainment there will also be a modest knife and fork supper provided by ‘A Matter of Taste’.
Whilst Scotland has not suffered flooding to anything like the same extent as parts of England and Wales, there are many individual farmers who have experienced significant damage and losses in one of the stormiest winters in some areas of Scotland.
The Union has been receiving calls from members hit by flooding since late December 2013 and the number now affected by the high rainfall is increasing. Many of those contacting the Union feel that the rules around watercourse management and practices such as dredging are confusing, expensive and restrictive.
NFU Scotland President Nigel Miller wrote to Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse and SEPA Chairman, David Sigsworth asking for regulations and guidance to be examined in light of problems this winter.
In the letter, Mr Miller wrote: “I have watched with dismay as farmers and rural residents in many parts of England and Wales have battled with flooding over recent weeks. Whilst Scotland has not suffered to the same extent, there are many farmers who have individually experienced significant damage and losses.
“This, coupled with a groundswell of opinion that regulation of management of watercourses is too confusing, expensive and restrictive – and is thus reducing the resilience and productivity of Scottish farming – means that I feel the time has come for a review of this issue here in Scotland.
