Young farmers quiz minister (From Western Telegraph)

Young farmers quiz minister

MILK prices, bovine TB and avian flu were all hot topics up for discussion when young farmers met the deputy Assembly minister for environment, planning and countryside in Pembrokeshire recently.

The meeting between YFC members and deputy minister Tamsin Dunwoody was held at Pelcomb Farm, near Haverfordwest - the home of Wales YFC rural affairs committee chairman, Pete Smith.

It was a chance for the Preseli Pembrokeshire AM to learn more about YFC and its work and was also an excellent opportunity for the members to gain some insight into the work of the deputy minister.

Members had the chance to raise any concerns which they had regarding current issues within the industry.

The lack of affordable rural housing was discussed with members expressing their worries about the difficulties facing young people who are keen to get on the property ladder.

Pete Smith also highlighted the fact that milk prices are supermarket-driven and Tamsin explained that the government will try and work hard in order to give the best deal to farmers.

Tamsin also reassured the members about the possible threat from Avian Flu, stating that plans are in place should an outbreak happen.

Pete and Tamsin also mentioned the work of the Assembly TB Action Group, which they both sit on.

It was explained to members that Wales is taking a different approach to England and that they hope that these problems will be tackled soon.

"I am sure that the Deputy Minister's visit here today has been a worthwhile exercise from both the YFC and the Minister's point of view," said Pete Smith.

"We have emphasised that young farmers do want a future in agriculture and we hope that the deputy minister and her department will work closely with us to ensure that this will happen."