Join Farming Connect at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd on Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18 2025 for the annual Spring Festival.

Farming Connect will be present at the event to offer support and advice to attendees. Whether individuals are experienced growers, newcomers with an interest in horticulture, or simply looking to incorporate more nature into their lives.

A vibrant Growers’ Market, featuring numerous exciting trade stands, will surround the Farming Connect stand. While horticulture takes centre stage at this year's event, our team will also be on hand to answer all general Farming Connect enquiries.

Come and connect with them at two locations: The Farming Connect Horticulture team is at The Members Pavilion, and keen to discuss their fully funded Horticulture Business Support sessions and events, tailored to assist both established growers and those exploring new diversification possibilities. They will be available to offer support, guidance, and training to help you achieve your horticultural aspirations. Farming Connect’s Development Officers and the WFSP (Wales Farm Safety Partnership) Officer will also be available throughout the weekend to explore various opportunities for the growth and development of your business and discuss any ideas you may have.

For all questions regarding skills and training, staff and training providers will be available at The Lantra Building. They will be offering guidance and support on how to complete the Personal Development Plan (PDP), navigate e-learning modules, and submitting funding applications. To enable them to provide this support, please ensure you have your Farming Connect login details available.

Over the two days the following providers will be on hand to discuss any training enquiries:

· Agriconnectors

· Dysgu Bro Ceredigion

· Jimmy Hughes Training Services Ltd

· Prostock Vets

Plus, don't miss exciting cooking demonstrations throughout both days from Nerys Howell, showcasing delicious ways to use seasonal Welsh fruits and vegetables! This is a fantastic opportunity to learn new recipes and get inspired by local produce.

One of many businesses joining the event will be Alan and Justine Burgess from West Wales Willows, who cultivate over 260 different varieties of willow. Their business operates from a charming smallholding located in Carmarthenshire, West Wales. In addition to showcasing willow plants on their stand, Justine, who is also a willow artist, will be exhibiting some of her artistic creations.

Spring Festival - Farming Connect exhibitors include:

Ash & Elm Horticulture (Welsh Flower Barrow)

· ELM (established by Emma Maxwell) and Dave Ash have created a 5-acre agroecological diverse market garden.

· Situated in the beautiful Cambrian mountains in the Hafren valley, just a few miles from the Hafren forest and the source of the River Severn. The small market town of Llanidloes is just 3 miles away.

· The location in the Welsh countryside provides a unique setting for their market gardening endeavours.

Living Simply Lavender

· Living Simply Lavender is a small flourishing business based outside Llanelli, Carmarthenshire.

· They grow both Lavandula Angustifolia (English lavender) and Lavandin.

· During the summer months the flowering lavender is hand harvested, it is then distilled using the hydro steam distillation process.

NPTC

· NPTC group of colleges is one of the largest further education providers in Wales with campuses covering 30% of the country’s landmass and serving more than 270,000 residents, stretching from south to north Wales.

· The horticulture department has facilities in three campuses, Neath, Brecon and Newtown offering a range of courses both full and part time from level 1 to level 3.

P&J Plants

· P&J Plants is a family run business, active since the mid 80's.

· They specialize in carnivorous plants mostly sarracenia forms but also have other varieties to sell, based in Madley (Herefordshire)

West Wales Willows

· Justine & Alan Burgess run West Wales Willows from a smallholding in beautiful Carmarthenshire.

· Growing over 260 varieties of willow, they hold the National Collection of Salix, managed by Plant Heritage. Justine is also a willow artist and will be showcasing some of her creations, in addition to willow plants, on the stand.

Perennial

· Perennial is the UK’s only charity dedicated to helping people in horticulture and their families.

Microacres

· Discover a world of flavour with premium, sustainably grown microgreens, edible flowers, and specialty gourmet mushrooms.

· Hand-harvested, with attention to detail, from their urban vertical farm, using sustainable growing methods.

· Their vibrant micro vegetables and herbs transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary creations. From restaurant kitchens to home cooking, add a fresh, local burst of colour, texture, and taste to your dishes. Farm to fork freshness.

· Locally delivered. Grown with love, in Wales. Naturally delicious.

Farmers Welsh Lavender Ltd

· Farmers' Welsh Lavender are makers of body care creams and balms five miles from the showground.

· Visit the farm to see how they grow and distil lavender. FARMERS' luxurious products can be found around the world... in their smart flagship store in Hay-on-Wye and on the pillow should you stay at London's Savoy Hotel.

The Fungi Folk

· The Fungi Folks is an organic certified mushroom farm in the rolling hills of South Wales, growing a range of gourmet and medicinal mushrooms and producing tinctures and extracts.

· You can find online, and at markets and events around Wales and the South West of England.

Farming Connect

· Farming Connect staff will be in the building providing information to members of the public about horticultural business support that the team offer to farmers and growers, building a stronger horticulture industry within Wales.