Another trip with Elin today (Friday) in her role as Ceredigion AM to meet the Ceredigion Branch of the FUW and discuss the new Glastir Scheme at TyNewydd, Cwmystwyth, the farm of Brynmor Morgan Chairman of FUW Ceredigion. The session opened with tea and cake! then an impressive presentations by Owen Jenkins, FUW Officer here in Ceredigion, outlining the pros and cons of the new scheme, locking carbon in the uplands and outstanding issues with IACS classification of Common Land. The presentation by Elin outlined the principles of the scheme since no detail have yet been worked out, there followed an informative question and answer session. I still think that the detail when decided will need to address the cash flow implications of change and I hope that the collaborative discussions between the NFU, FUW and civil servants will sort out a workable scheme that farmers feel able to subscribe to. Its important. Equally important is getting a Young Entrants scheme off the ground.
A comparison with Spain was raised in how they have to deal with climate change and lack of water. This is where I see opportunity rather than threat, Spain has a substantial sheep flock which will reduce in size if temperatures rise in the Mediterranean region. Reduced supply means more market opportunity for farmers in regions with plentiful water, sound familiar? I see a possible opportunity for Welsh sheep farmers.
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