15 members of NFU Cymru’s Next Generation Group travelled to Brussels in early December to learn more about the impact of Brexit on Welsh agriculture. The NFU Cymru Next Generation Group is made up of young farmers from across Wales, involved in all sectors of the industry.
The first day of the trip was based in the NFU Office in Brussels where the group heard from a variety of speakers.
Katie Jarvis, NFU European Policy Advisor, updated the group on the work of the NFU Brussels Agricultural Bureau office in Brussels, and their role monitoring European legislation and working with British MEP’s.
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The group then heard from David John, a Technical Manager from Animal Health Europe, the association in Europe which represents around 90% of manufacturers of animal medicines, vaccines and other animal health products in Europe. He outlined a number of issues regarding the use of antibiotics within agriculture, including their use, prescription, their labelling and record keeping.
Tom Tynan, a member of the Agriculture and Rural Development EU Commissioner, Phil Hogan's Cabinet spoke next. He outlined the Commissioner’s plan for the next EU’s CAP budget. Tom explained why the EU supports its farmers through the Common Agricultural Policy and direct payments, and potential areas of development of future EU agricultural policy.
The final speaker of the day was Frances Brockie from the New Zealand Mission. Frances outlined the change in New Zealand domestic agricultural policy, specifically the removal of direct payments in the 1980’s and the impact it had on farmers and the wider agricultural sector. Further discussion was had on New Zealand’s trading relationship with the rest of the world, specifically their trade of lamb into the UK market.
The group then spent the evening meeting Welsh MEP Derek Evans, discussing the Welsh agricultural industry and the opportunities and challenges facing the next generation of farmers.
The final day of the visit started with a meeting at the European Parliament with the Northern Irish MEP, Jim Nicholson, who currently serves on the Agriculture Committee of the European Parliament. Jim, a former farmer, discussed his position on the Brexit negotiations and his role at the European Parliament. The group then had a tour of the institution.
The final leg of the trip stopped at a beef, dairy and arable farm just outside the city of Brussels. The group toured the farm looking at the Belgian Blue cattle and learning about the different farming practices used.
Gareth Thomas, a member of the Next Generation Group from Anglesey, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. I learned a lot and it was great to get detailed insight from expert speakers about the European institutions and policies, information that will still be relevant even when we have left the EU. It was also good to have discussions with MEPs highlighting the importance of farming and learning about future trade options.”