Bala farmer appointed to NRW board

The appointment of beef and sheep farmer Geraint Davies to the board of Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has been welcomed by the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW).

Mr Davies, who farms at Fedw Arian Uchaf, at Rhyduchaf, near Bala, with his wife Rachael, is also the FUW Meirionnydd county chair and the chair of the union’s Younger Voice for Farming Committee.

Geraint and Rachael, both believers that food production and environmental conservation go hand-in-hand, keep 1,000 Welsh mountain ewes and a commercial herd of 40 suckler cows.

Welcoming Geraint’s appointment to the NRW board, FUW president Glyn Roberts said: “Given that 90 per cent of Wales is managed by farmers, the appointment of a Welsh farmer to NRW’s board is long overdue.

“I hope this marks a step towards the appointment of more such young individuals who have a deep understanding of both our natural resources and agriculture, and the interreliance between the two.”

Mr Roberts also welcomed the fact that a Welsh speaker had been appointed to the board.

“Given that around a third of Welsh farmers speak Welsh and that the figure is close to 100 per cent in many parts of Wales, I believe the board should include representatives of both Welsh and English speaking farmers,” he added.

Mr Davies' appointment means the board now has 13 members, including the chief executive.

He has been an upland farmer in North Wales for 20 years and is an advocate for producing sustainable food whilst delivering environmental goods.

Minister Lesley Griffiths AM said: “Following the recent scheme to recruit new members for NRW’s board, I asked the advisory panel to look again at those who applied and are able to converse fluently in Welsh.

“I attach great importance to NRW’s role and the work of its board, and I am pleased to announce Geraint appointment to the board.”

Interim NRW chair Sir David Henshaw said: “I am looking forward to working with Geraint and supporting NRW to deliver for Wales."