NFU Cymru has elected a new president and deputy president.
The farming union has announced that Aled Jones has been elected as its new president, while Abi Reader has been named deputy president.
The pair were elected at a meeting of NFU Cymru’s Welsh Council in Llandrindod Wells on Wednesday 9 February.
Mr Jones takes over from John Davies who stepped down from the role after a four-year term.
Mr Jones is an eighth-generation farmer who runs a pedigree herd of Holsteins just outside Caernarfon in North Wales.
He has held a variety of positions across the industry, including holding the post of chairman of milk recording company Cattle Information Services (CIS) for seven years and being a trustee of Holstein UK for eight years.
Mr Jones said there had never been a more important time to represent farmers in Wales who are still establishing new markets outside of the European Union and that the Welsh agricultural sector will soon have its own specific policy.
He said: “What I’d like to see during my term in office is to see us further increase membership of NFU Cymru. I’d like farmers who are not represented by a union to see the value of joining and the strength in numbers that gives us to stand up for Welsh agriculture.”
He added: “In light of the current challenges around food security and climate change, that role is hugely significant. Covid-19 has highlighted how fragile our food production systems are and with a global spike in energy prices and food prices predicted to rise, as an industry we have to ensure we’re delivering a healthy, safe, sustainable and affordable product for people of all price points.
“I hope that during my time as NFU Cymru President that we’re able to engage with our consumers, particularly those people who have no current association with agriculture and help to stoke their interest in the food they eat and where it comes from, because it’s something they require everyday of their lives.”
Ms Reader is a third generation mixed farmer who farms in partnership with her parents and uncle in Wenvoe just outside Cardiff. She is a co-founder of Cows on Tour, an Open Farm Sunday host and a former NFU Cymru Wales Woman Farmer of the Year.
Ms Reader said: “During my term in office, my priority is to ensure the union effectively engages with the next generation of young farmers and that we work together to deliver a prosperous future for the tomorrow’s Welsh farmers.”
Director John Mercer said: “I would like to congratulate Aled and Abi who have been elected to the roles of NFU Cymru president and deputy president respectively. As staff, we look forward to working with Aled, Abi and the wider NFU Cymru team on the significant challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Welsh agriculture.”
