NFU Cymru was delighted to welcome Jane Dodds MS out on a farm in her region to plant a tree as part of the union’s #GrowingTogether campaign.

Jane Dodds MS recently visited Geraint Watkins’ farm near Llanwrtyd Wells to plant an oak tree, kindly supplied by Coed Cadw – The Woodland Trust in Wales, as part of NFU Cymru’s #GrowingTogether strategy for tree planting in Wales.

Against the background of ambitious targets to increase tree cover in Wales to help mitigate and adapt to the challenges presented by climate change, the #GrowingTogether initiative promotes a philosophy to future tree planting in Wales that advocates more trees integrated into farming systems – allowing food production, farming, trees, nature, landscapes and rural communities to thrive.

Brecon & Radnor NFU Cymru County Chairman Geraint Watkins said: “We are delighted that Jane Dodds MS could join us to plant a tree on the farm. Engaging with politicians like Jane Dodds MS is a vital component of spreading awareness of our #GrowingTogether campaign and sharing our ambitions with all those who have an interest in delivering the outcomes we all want to see.

“At NFU Cymru we firmly believe agriculture is uniquely placed to be part of the solution to climate change, and are working towards the goal of net zero agriculture by 2040, producing the most climate friendly food in the world. We recognise the vital role that our trees, hedgerows and the wider landscape will play in carbon storage to help achieve our net zero goal.

“We want to ensure that Wales’s ambitious targets for tree planting are progressed in a way that safeguards the multiple economic, environmental, social and cultural benefits that Welsh farming provides.”

Jane Dodds MS said: “Combatting climate change is the defining mission of our time and working hand in hand with farmers and the agricultural sector will play a crucial role in meeting our goals. The Growing Together scheme is a fantastic example of how good environmental policies can both tackle climate change and provide the agricultural industry with income.

“NFU Cymru are right to raise that tree planting shouldn’t be a blanket approach and that it needs to be integrated alongside productive farming. Just a few weeks ago I raised my concerns in the Senedd that the Glastir scheme was being used by large multinational companies to buy up large tracts of land to offshore their carbon emissions to Wales.

“I would also like to thank Geraint Watkins for both his hospitality in allowing me to plant this tree today and his hard work.”

The NFU Cymru #GrowingTogether pledge stems from the union’s Growing Together: A strategy for sustainably increasing tree cover in Wales report, launched in September. The document is a blueprint identifying the barriers and opportunities that exist to deliver on these objectives while safeguarding thriving rural communities and ensuring the continued production of high quality, affordable food in Wales.

For more information about NFU Cymru’s tree strategy and the #GrowingTogether campaign, please visit www.nfu-cymru.org.uk.