Phil Hogan lauds role of agricultural shows
Officially opening the Royal Welsh Show at Llanelwedd last weekend, he said such large-scale events are essential for a number of reasons.
They showcase the pride and hard work of farmers and their families and they highlight the value and importance of the agri-food sector.
Shows also allow the different strands of the agri-food community and indeed people from across the rural spectrum to come together, he said, adding that people discuss the challenges and opportunities they face, and find new and better ways to work together.
Mr Hogan attended the Royal Highland Show in Scotland last month, and in September will visit the National Ploughing Championships at Ratheniska, Co Laois.
“The scale and success of these events, just like the Royal Welsh Show, highlights to me the high esteem we reserve for our agri-food and rural communities in these islands, and long may it continue.
These are not just celebrations — they are reminders that we cannot and must not take for granted the principle of safe, sustainable and high-quality food and drink production,” he said.
