The new generation of farmers speak up (From Western Telegraph)

The new generation of farmers speak up

A Pembrokeshire milk producer is urging the next generation of farmers to have their say on important issues affecting their industry.

William Prichard, of Esgalwen Farm, Letterston, believes too many policies are decided by ageing farmers.

As chairman of the Wales YFC's Rural Affairs Committee, he says younger farmers can give their opinion on important farming issues at a seminar to be held in Newcastle Emlyn this month.

He believes the seminar - one of a series to be held in Wales - is important for the next generation of farmers. 'While many policies concerning agriculture are based on consultations with present farmers, who already have a foot on the proverbial ladder, what we would like to see is a forum where the next generation can be heard and listened to,'' says William.

'The irony is that these members of the Young Farmers are the future of our agricultural industry. Decisions made today by inevitably ageing farming voices will most affect the farms of tommorrow. This is why we feel that having some form of input into agri-politics is so vital.''

His comments are likely to provoke debate in an industry where the average age of farmers in 58.

The seminar will be held at Newcastle Emlyn on February 28th.

Louise Owen, Rural Affairs Officer for Wales YFC, says the new entrants' situation is likely to top the agenda.

'The key findings of these open seminars will be collated and presented to the National Assembly's Rural Affairs Minister in the hope that our view as the next generation of caretakers' of rural Wales are well and truly heard,'' she says.

Caption: Young farmer William Pritchard at work on his computer.