Elin Jones, local AM for Ceredigion, turned the tables on local farmers’ representatives in a Question Time event held by Plaid Cymru in the newly-rebuilt Caerwedros Hall in Ceredigion.

The Ceredigion AM played the part of David Dimbleby in chairing a lively discussion with panelists Wyn Evans (Ceredigion county chairman, NFU), Euryn Jones (HSBC), Aled Rees (Ceredigion county chairman, FUW) and Einir Ryder (county chairman, Young Farmers Club).

The well-attended event was given added spice by the resignation two days earlier of the Welsh Agriculture Minister, Alun Davies.

Among the topics under discussion were the future of Welsh Government policy under the new minister, particularly on the issues of the Single Farm Payment structure, the Rural Development Plan and moorland farming. Also, the future of young people in the industry was discussed, and ideas to encourage the next generation of farmers were put forward. Comments from the floor also covered renewable energy.

Plaid’s Ceredigion Westminster candidate Mike Parker said,

“This was a great opportunity to discuss the key issues surrounding the future of the rural economy in Ceredigion. The panelists were extremely knowledgeable, and had a range of ideas about how farming should develop in the years to come.”

Elin Jones, Plaid Cymru AM for Ceredigion, said,

“I would like to thank the panel very much for coming to this event. I very much enjoyed being able to ask the questions this time!

“This question time is part of an ongoing dialogue with farmers in Ceredigion, as we face a number of challenges for the future. The issues we discussed – the new RDP, renewable energy, and encouraging young people into farming – are key challenges that the new ministers responsible for agriculture in the Welsh Government will need to tackle.

“The event showed that by engaging positively with farmers in Wales we can come up with creative ideas for the future.”