The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) is celebrating the outstanding success of its latest Farmhouse Breakfast Week, a cherished annual initiative that has once again demonstrated the strength and generosity of the rural community. This January, a series of 23 breakfast events held across the nation collectively raised more than £21,000 for various charities and local causes, with a significant £17,000 specifically dedicated to the vital Wales Air Ambulance charity.
A Week of Community and Conversation
Farmhouse Breakfast Week served as a powerful platform, bringing together FUW members, local residents, politicians, and key stakeholders. Attendees enjoyed hearty, traditional breakfasts while engaging in meaningful discussions on pressing agricultural issues with union officials. The events were not merely social gatherings but crucial forums for dialogue and fundraising, reinforcing the union's role at the heart of Welsh rural life.
Showcasing Welsh Produce and Sustainability
Each event proudly showcased the exceptional quality of Welsh food and farming. Guests were treated to delicious, locally-sourced bacon, sausages, eggs, and dairy products, all generously donated by businesses from across the country. This generous support from the agricultural sector itself highlights the remarkable sustainability and collaborative spirit within Wales' food and farming industry, proving its resilience and community focus.
Key Political Engagement in Cardiff
A flagship breakfast was hosted at the historic Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay, sponsored by Samuel Kurtz MS. The event attracted numerous Senedd members and influential stakeholders, with Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, delivering the keynote address. This gathering provided an important opportunity to highlight the FUW's key manifesto demands ahead of the forthcoming Senedd election, ensuring farming priorities remain on the political agenda.
Leadership Praise and Charitable Impact
FUW President Ian Rickman expressed his gratitude, stating: "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 that generously donated produce."
He added: "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."
Wales Air Ambulance's Gratitude
Dr Sue Barnes, Chief Executive of the Wales Air Ambulance charity, commented: "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."
She continued: "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."
The success of Farmhouse Breakfast Week underscores a powerful synergy between charitable giving, community cohesion, and the advocacy for Welsh agriculture, setting a positive precedent for future initiatives.
