Farming support charity the Farming Community Network (FCN) has increased the availability of support to Welsh farmers and their families during this period of immense change in Welsh agriculture.

FCN has developed and launched a new ‘FCN Cymru’ brand, highlighting its commitment to supporting those living and working on farms in Wales.

FCN has also hired a new development and outreach Officer, William Shilvock, who is from Llŷn Peninsula, near Pwllheli.

Will has experience within beef, sheep and dairy farming, and has a degree in agriculture and countryside conservation from Aberystwyth University. Prior to joining FCN, Will worked for the National Trust as Assistant Farm Adviser in North Wales.

His role will involve helping to promote FCN Cymru throughout Wales and working with FCN volunteers across the country.

“FCN offers a valuable service to the agricultural industry in times of difficulty. I hope that within my post as development and outreach officer in Wales I can ensure more individuals are aware of the service and can benefit from what is available,” he said.

These developments are timely, as FCN seeks to provide greater support for farmers and farming families during this period of immense change in Welsh agriculture. A survey conducted by FCN earlier this year showed that nine in 10 anticipate a greater need for farming support organisations over the next five years.

FCN volunteers provide free, confidential, pastoral and practical support to anyone who seeks help, whatever their concern. FCN Cymru operates across the whole of Wales.

Every year more than 6,000 people across England and Wales benefit from FCN’s support and services.

FCN also provides a confidential national Helpline (03000 111 999) and e-Helpline (help@fcn.org.uk) which is open every day of the year, from 7am-11pm.

For 25 years, FCN has worked closely with the Welsh Government and other agencies and voluntary organisations to support the farming community and the wider industry through crises such as BSE, swine fever and foot and mouth.

FCN’s patron, the Prince of Wales, extended his patronage of FCN last year.

FCN works closely with the Wales Farm Support Group, led by the Welsh Government. Earlier this year FCN and the Wales Farm Support Group launched the bilingual FarmWell Wales (farmwell.wales) and FarmWell Cymru (farmwell.cymru) initiatives, which signpost useful resources and information for farmers in Wales.

Wil’s role will also involve promoting this important initiative, helping to connect farmers and industry representatives with the FarmWell Wales platform.