Deputy First Minister CLA Cymru Visit
This week, a roundtable with the Deputy First Minister was hosted by CLA Cymru Vice Chair Tom Homfray at his award winning farm shop Forage.
First Minister CLA Cymru Visit
Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies joined CLA Cymru for a visit to the multi award-winning Forage Farm Shop and Kitchen, which for part of their family farm estate Penllyn near Cowbridge. The visit, hosted by CLA Cymru Vice Chair Tom Homfray, provided an invaluable opportunity to showcase the farm-to-fork operation at Forage and to discuss pressing issues affecting rural communities and businesses across Wales.
Accompanied by CLA President Victoria Vyvyan, CLA Cymru Director Victoria Bond, and Branch Chair Richard Williams-Bulkeley, the Deputy First Minister toured the farm and its retail operations, before sampling some of the excellent food created by the inhouse chef from the farm produce. The visit highlighted the innovative approach Forage Farm has taken in diversifying its business models, including its onsite business park hosting other CLA members such as Fablas Icecream. Whilst a prime example of how rural enterprises can drive growth and sustainability, Tom was also clear about all the challenges facing the sector, even with rigorous planning and enterprise.
Roundtable Discussion
The tour culminated in a roundtable discussion in the Forage restaurant, offering a platform for open dialogue on key topics including:
The Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS): Discussions centred on ongoing concerns and opportunities presented by the evolving policy, following the interim announcements made in November.
Flooding: A critical issue affecting many rural areas, part of the farmland is used as a flood plain and Tom discussed the challenges facing this as flooding becomes more prevalent. In particular the loss of land versus compensation.
Inheritance Tax (IHT). Whilst driven by Westminster, the Deputy First Minister engaged in discussions exploring the impact of tax policy on family farms and rural businesses in Wales. He was keen to hear the multi-faceted arguments made, including Richard Williams-Bulkeley’s outline of how the changes impacted tenant farms as well as those in-hand, alongside With President Victoria Vyvyan outlining key financial statistics and research undertaken by the CLA.
Tom Homfray, who leads Forage Farm’s operations, expressed the importance of such visits in giving policymakers direct insight into the realities faced by rural businesses. “Hosting the Deputy First Minister and CLA leadership allowed us to highlight not just the challenges but also the incredible potential that exists within rural Wales,” he said.
"Engaging directly with the Deputy First Minister at Forage Farm was a valuable opportunity to bring the realities of rural business to the forefront of political discussion. Tom’s operation is a shining example of innovation in the sector, demonstrating how farm diversification can drive economic growth while supporting local communities. These conversations are essential as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by policies like the Sustainable Farming Scheme."
Forage Farm’s commitment to local produce, sustainability, and creating a seamless link between farming and retail continues to set a standard for innovation in rural business. The Deputy First Minister praised the initiative, noting the role that such enterprises play in strengthening the rural economy alongside fostering community resilience and support.
CLA Cymru would like to extend its sincere thanks to Tom Homfray and the team at Forage, as well as all attendees, for facilitating a productive and insightful day.
Learn more at www.foragefarmshop.co.uk or visit the shop and restaurant at Forage Farmshop, Penllyn Estate, Cowbridge, CF71 7FF
