Farmers across Wales are increasingly ‘frustrated’ over ‘activist Vegans’ using false information and inaccuracies to tarnish the industry’s good reputation, according to NFU Cymru, reports Hannah Jones. ? ?

The President of NFU Cymru, John Davies, made the call this week when speaking at the Royal Welsh Showground  – an area synonymous with the production of world leading PGI Welsh Lamb and Beef.

Davies stressed that consumers should be able to make purchasing decisions based on the facts around the production of red meat and dairy, rather than being misled by those whose agenda seeks to undermine the good reputation and high standards of the Welsh farming industry.? ?

Davies said, “Farmers respect that everybody is free to make choices about the food and drink they consume. All too frequent there are reports with inaccuracies about UK farming practices, the sector’s environmental impact and the nutritional benefits of meat and dairy to influence consumers’ long-term purchasing decisions.”

Veganuary is a campaign set up to encourage people to try a vegan diet for the short spell of January or to continue for the rest of the year and beyond. The campaign supports the argument for animal rights and promotes the environmental grounds of farming animals, such as the belief that animals should not be consumed or used in food production and by bringing awareness to the by-product of agriculture.

A record number of 50,000 people have signed up to join the campaign.? ?

“Welsh farmers have always been, and will always continue to be, the advocates of a healthy, balanced diet that includes dairy, meat, fruit and vegetables. Consumers purchasing Welsh produce do so in the knowledge that they are buying safe, quality and fully traceable products, while also reinvesting in these high health and welfare practices,” added Davies.