The Member of the Senedd for Aberconwy, Janet Finch-Saunders, joined NFU Cymru last Friday at celebrity chef Bryn Williams’ restaurant in Porth Eirias on the Colwyn Bay promenade to celebrate world-renowned Welsh beef. Bryn Williams prepared and served a variety of Welsh beef dishes, along with desserts made using local dairy produce, showcasing the exceptional quality and flavour of authentic Welsh food.
The event was for NFU Cymru to launch its new Welsh Suckler Beef Production: Addressing Decline and Securing a Sustainable Future report. This report highlighted that Wales is home to around 6,000 suckler cow herds, contributing £390 million to the Welsh economy and accounting for approximately 18.6% of total agricultural output. Despite this significant contribution, the number of suckler herds has fallen sharply, declining by almost 40% from 10,816 in 2004 to 6,595 in 2023. Rising production costs and tight margins mean many businesses are struggling to remain viable without support. Suckler producers also face the ongoing threat of bovine TB and must operate within a highly regulated environment, bringing substantial additional costs and placing disproportionate pressure on small family farms. Nevertheless, demand for Welsh beef remains strong, even as UK beef imports continue to rise.
Farmers across Wales have been under increasing pressure as a result of recent Welsh Government policies that have added cost, complexity and uncertainty to an already challenging industry. Many farms across Wales have felt unsupported and burdened by excessive regulation.
Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS has been a strong supporter of farms in her Aberconwy constituency, calling for reduced regulation and fewer constraints within the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme, while reaffirming the importance of food self-sufficiency delivered through the hard work of farmers across Wales.
Janet Finch-Saunders, Senedd Member for Aberconwy said:
“I was delighted to be invited by NFU Cymru to join them in celebrating the outstanding Welsh Beef and local produce prepared by the hugely talented chef Bryn Williams at his renowned restaurant.
It was insightful to hear from NFU Cymru leaders and the farmers themselves, and to learn first-hand about the dedication and hard work that goes into producing some of the best food in the world.
I have always stood firmly behind farmers in Wales and understand the vital role they play in our country. The Welsh Government must stop making their lives harder than they need to be with too much red tape and instead work side by side with them, giving them the support they need to continue this essential work for generations to come.”
