Mick hosts NFU Cymru celebration of Welsh food
Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, Mick Bates AM, was pleased to host anNFU Welsh food reception at the Assembly today.
Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat Mick stated:
"I congratulate the NFU on a superb celebration of Welsh food here inAssembly and for their work in keeping Welsh food and produce at the topof the agenda. It is so pleasing to see such a fantastic display ofWelsh goods, which is a reminder of the variety of produce that we growhere in Wales and a tribute to the farmers across the country who givethe Welsh mark of quality such an excellent reputation.
"The importance of food to the economy cannot be underestimated. Nearly80% of the land surface in Wales is devoted to agriculture and the Welshagri-food industry is worth almost 8% of our total economy, which is astaggering amount. Farming is vital to our rural economies, to providejobs and to keep our rural communities alive and I am proud to live in acountry where we produce such high quality food to sustain our nation."