FUW sets out election demands

He says the family farm is a key entity that has been overlooked and undervalued by many of political leaders.

But whatever the political issue, whether climate change, animal health and welfare, the negotiation of global trade agreements, or any of the other agriculturally-related topics that affected the electorate, the family farm had a central role to play.

“Politicians who ignore this do so at our peril,” says Mr Vaughan.

Discussions regarding the future of the CAP could also be as influential over the long-term welfare of UK citizens as the forthcoming election.

“In 2007 and 2008 countries around the globe suffered conflict and social unrest due to food shortages. In some developed countries major retailers even rationed certain foodstuffs,” he adds.

“A discussion paper issued by Defra has concluded that the current global food security situation is a cause for deep concern, listing high energy prices, poor harvests, rising demand, biofuels and food export bans in some countries as main factors.

“So, with the world population expected to rise to between nine and 10 billion by 2050 and predicted reductions in global agricultural productivity per hectare, there is clearly a need for appropriate action that balances food production against environmental considerations.

“There can be little doubt that joined up policies between Governments are needed to address these issues and the CAP, by design, provides just such a framework, allowing Europe to react to the imminent challenges that growing populations, global warming, rising sea levels, and peak oil represent in terms of food security.”

Accepting devolution had reduced the number of Welsh agricultural issues over which MPs have a direct influence, Mr Vaughan says there are still a significant number of overarching policies of concern for Welsh rural communities.

“Many of these topics will be the subject of detailed consideration during the next Parliament, and the decisions will have vital implications for both the agricultural industry and all UK citizens.

“The fuw.org.uk/”>FUW is not affiliated to any political party, therefore we are committed to lobbying all those in Westminster to ensure that agriculture and family farms receive the attention and respect they warrant ─ for the sake of all our futures.”

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