Farmers Union of Wales creates online lobbying tool for rural concerns to be heard

Welsh farmers are being urged to use the online tool and express concerns about farming issues
Welsh farmers are being urged to use the online tool and express concerns about farming issues

The Farmers’ Union of Wales is urging all those who have an interest in farming matters in Wales to message their elected representatives through an online lobbying tool on the union’s website.

FUW President Glyn Roberts said farmers can lobby their elected politicians via the online tool.

"All those who recognise the importance of a thriving rural economy can find their elected representatives by entering a postcode and then choosing who they want to email," Mr Roberts said.

"There is a pre-written campaign letter available for use, but it can be amended that if you so wish.

"The more we remind politicians about the importance of farming and its role in the rural economy, the more chance there is that our rural economy will survive and prosper."

The prepared campaign letter states that the individual wishes to highlight the importance of ensuring agriculture and the rural economy.

It explains the sector should be given 'sufficient prominence' during forthcoming discussions, negotiations and decisions following the referendum on EU membership held on June 23.

It further outlines that farm businesses, and family farms in particular, are an essential part of the economic, social, and cultural fabric of Wales.

Around two out of every five rural businesses are classed as being involved in the farming industry, while agriculture is estimated to support over 10 percent of Wales’ full time employees.

The letter further draws attention to the fact that around 60,000 people are employed on farm holdings in Wales, in addition to the thousands employed in businesses which are reliant on agriculture such as contractors, feed and machinery merchants, mechanics etc.

Wider contributions to our economy are also well documented, for example in terms of tourism, while agriculture has been acknowledged as the single most significant contributor to an estimated £1.9 billion worth of wildlife based activity in Wales per annum.