NFU CYMRU has hosted business secretary Alok Sharma on one of its members’ holdings – a mixed beef, sheep and free-range poultry farm near Corwen, North Wales.

NFU Cymru Next Generation Group member Llŷr Jones welcomed Mr Sharma, along with the union’s president, John Davies.

He presented the secretary of state with its report that outlines the ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

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Mr Jones was able to demonstrate how he is moving towards that goal. The farm produces renewable energy to satisfy the farm’s energy needs, exporting the surplus power to the grid.

It has also carried out work as part of Welsh Government’s Glastir agri-environment scheme, including creating habitats for wildlife, tree planting, protecting some 30 acres of peatland, hedgerow management and soil and grassland management.

‘Great pride’

Mr Jones said: “I take great pride in the work we do to maintain and enhance the environment, encourage biodiversity and support the local community alongside my core role as a food producer.

“I was pleased to be able to welcome the Secretary of State on farm today to show him how we’re always striving to positively influence the carbon impact of our business.”

Mr Davies added: “By focusing on improving farming’s productive efficiency; improving land management and enhancing land use to capture more carbon; and boosting renewable energy and the wider bioeconomy, Wales’ farmers will be able to play their part in addressing the issues brought about by climate change.

“By reducing carbon emissions in these ways, farmers are in a strong position to achieve the industry’s goal of achieving net-zero by 2040.”

Last year Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited another poultry farm in Wales – Victoria Shervington-Jones’ free-range egg unit near Newport, South Wales.