NFU Cymru took a ‘taste’ of the countryside to Wales’ capital city last Friday to help explain to shoppers why it’s more important than ever to #backWelshfarming
NFU Cymru members from across Wales including Welsh Rugby International Dan Lydiate and TV personality Kate Bevan spent the day giving out lamb, cheese and milk tasters whilst explaining to shoppers in Cardiff why the farming industry is currently struggling and how they can help.
Emma Jenkins from EJ Catering was on the site, right outside Capitol Shopping Centre, to cook over 2,000 tasters of Welsh lamb which were kindly donated by Two Sisters Food Group and Dunbia, served as mini burgers and slow roasted shoulder. Over 4,000 samples of Welsh Cheese from First Milk’s Pembrokeshire Cheese and South Caernarfon Creamery were kindly donated and enjoyed by Cardiff shoppers. Welsh milk was also provided by local Ty Tanglwyst dairy.
John Davies, NFU Cymru Deputy President, speaking after the event said, “What an amazing way to start NFU Cymru’s ‘It’s time to back Welsh farming’ campaign.’
“There was a buzz around us in Cardiff city centre on Friday. It was great to talk to thousands of shoppers to hear how they are already supporting our industry and explaining to others how they can do more by buying Welsh produce. We had a lot of younger members at the event and the enthusiasm and passion that they showed for the industry and the way they got the message across to the public was fantastic.
“The feedback from the public was amazing and the clear message to the retailers is that the consumer values the fact that Welsh farmers produce affordable food of the highest quality and they want to see Welsh produce clearly labelled and given pride of place on retail shelves. The public clearly do not understand why farmers are receiving a milk price below the cost of production and struggle to understand why there is foreign lamb on retail shelves at a time when home produced lamb is at peak season. This is a powerful message to those retailers who are not backing Welsh farmers.”
Mr Davies continued, “The Cardiff event was just the start though, we’re now taking our campaign message right across Wales. Ivor Williams Trailers has generously donated a ‘Business in a Box’ exhibition trailer which we have had branded for our campaign and Land Rover have provided us with a Defender so we can now drive our message everywhere.
“The Welsh public are our greatest asset, we will be asking that they continue to back the Welsh farming industry and help us through this current crisis we’re all facing by holding to account retailers and food service providers who are failing to ensure that Welsh produce is clearly promoted and displayed.”
The first stop for NFU Cymru’s Campaign Trailer is this week’s Pembrokeshire Show where it will be parked in a prominent position by the livestock building and taken around the main ring at 1.30pm tomorrow (Tuesday, 18 August).