The need for a fairer red meat levy distribution system and the situation facing dairy farmers were among the issues highlighted by Monmouth Constituency Labour Party Assembly election candidate Catherine Fookes at the Usk Show.

At the show, Catherine introduced herself to local businesses, charities and farming groups such as the NFU. She spoke to the farming groups about the local Labour party’s petition to the Conservative Secretary of State for Wales, Stephen Crabb MP. This calls for a swift reform of the red meat levy so that Wales receives its fair share. It also demands an extension of the remit of the Groceries Code Adjudicator to cover dairy farmers and other small-scale producers so that farmers in Wales receive a fair price for their produce. The petition, which was also extremely popular at the Monmouth show, now has hundreds of signatures.

Catherine commented: "Our petition to the Secretary of State for Wales calling for a Fair Deal for Welsh Farmers generated support and real interest from the Usk Young Farmers and the NFU who are both so concerned with falling prices and the lack of power of farmers in the supply chain. It was also great to meet so many thriving local food and agriculture businesses which do so much for our local economy. If elected I would do all I can to support them by bringing investment to the area.”