The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) is celebrating another successful Farmhouse Breakfast Week, with events held across the country raising more than £21,000 for charities and local causes.

A total of 23 breakfasts took place across Wales during January, bringing together FUW members, rural communities, politicians and industry stakeholders. Of the money raised, more than £17,000 will go to the Wales Air Ambulance charity, with the remainder supporting a range of local good causes.

The annual initiative once again provided an opportunity for farmers and guests to come together over a hearty breakfast while discussing key issues facing the agricultural sector. FUW staff and officials were on hand at events to engage with attendees on current challenges and priorities for Welsh farming.

Breakfasts were hosted in locations across Wales, showcasing the very best of Welsh produce. Guests enjoyed locally sourced bacon, sausages, eggs and dairy products, generously donated by businesses from across the food and farming sector.

As part of the week, a breakfast was also held at the Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay. Sponsored by Samuel Kurtz MS, the event was attended by a number of Senedd Members and key stakeholders. Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, delivered the keynote address. The Cardiff breakfast also provided an important platform to highlight the FUW’s key manifesto demands ahead of the forthcoming Senedd election.

FUW President Ian Rickman said: “Our Farmhouse Breakfast Week continues to be a tremendous success, and I would like to thank our staff, members, volunteers and supporters who helped deliver such positive events across Wales.

“I would also like to thank the many local businesses who generously donated produce. Thanks to their support, we have raised an incredible sum, including £17,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance, a charity that provides a vital, lifesaving service to communities across Wales.

“The week is about more than fundraising - it brings people together, showcases the very best of Welsh food, and provides a valuable opportunity to highlight the key issues and priorities facing Welsh farming families.”

Dr Sue Barnes, Wales Air Ambulance Charity Chief Executive, said: “We are extremely grateful to the FUW and its members for once again raising a significant amount of money which will benefit not only our Charity but other important local causes too.

"This is the third Farmhouse Breakfast Week we have been fortunate to be a beneficiary of, after Farmers’ Union of Wales President Ian Rickman nominated us as his chosen Charity for 2023-26.

"This year we will mark our 25th anniversary and during that time we have supported agricultural communities across Wales and will continue to do so, not just for the here and now, but for our future generations. Our commitment and connection to rural Wales is, and always will be, incredibly strong.

"We give thanks for the invaluable contribution that the farming community makes to Welsh society, as well as the quality produce that is enjoyed here in Wales and around the world.”