Two young farmers, Annie James from Carmarthenshire and Teleri Fielden from Wrexham, were today named joint winners of the Brynle Williams Memorial Award.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Annie James runs a dairy farm in Llandysul, Carmarthenshire and is a new entrant farming in partnership with her husband Liam and her father Clive. Teleri Fielden is currently farming at Llyndy Isaf having been awarded the National Trust Scholarship in 2017.
The annual award was established in 2011 to recognise the contribution of the late Brynle Williams to Welsh agriculture, both as an Assembly Member and as a farmer. This year the award celebrates the achievements of young farmers who have excelled on the Welsh Government’s newly established Young People in Agriculture (YpiA) forum and in preparations for its Future of Agriculture event in September.
Announcing the winner, alongside Brynle’s widow Mary Williams, at the Royal Welsh Show, Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs said:
“Brynle was passionate about agriculture and saw young farmers as the future of the industry. He believed, like I do, in the importance of investing in their future so they and the industry continue to thrive.
“Our newly established Young People in Agriculture Forum has helped us further develop a long term relationship with young people who aspire to be the future senior leaders of the agriculture industry in Wales. It is particularly important as we prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead post-Brexit.
“All Forum members were considered for the award and this year as a first I have decided to present the award to two winners.
“Both Annie and Teleri have been enthusiastic members of the Forum, sharing with other members their personal experiences of establishing themselves within the industry whilst also contributing considerably to the arrangements for the YPiA Future of Agriculture event in September. I believe they are both worthy winners of the award.
“I would like to congratulate both Annie and Teleri and wish them all the best of luck with their farming careers.”
Earlier this year a new £6m Young People into Agriculture scheme was launched to support new entrants into the industry. During today’s event, the Cabinet Secretary announced that 94 people have progressed to the next stage and a new window for applications will open on 1 August until 29 August.
The Cabinet Secretary added:
“Attracting new and young entrants to the industry has been a priority of mine since I took over this role. Earlier this year we launched our Young People into Agriculture scheme, backed by £6m of revenue funding, and 94 people fully met the eligibility criteria.
“I will be opening a new window for applications on 1 August until 29 August to commit the remaining budget. This a great opportunity for young people to secure a sizeable level of support to kick start their business and I urge everyone who thinks they are eligible to apply."