NFU Cymru joined Elin Jones MS out on a farm to plant a tree as part of the union’s #GrowingTogether campaign.

She recently planted an oak tree, kindly supplied by Coed Cadw – The Woodland Trust in Wales, on her family’s farm near Llanwnnen. The tree planting, with NFU Cymru president, John Davies and NFU Cymru Ceredigion cairman Glyn Davies, was part of the recently launched #GrowingTogether strategy for tree planting in Wales.

Against the background of ambitious targets to increase tree cover in Wales to help mitigate and adapt to the challenges presented by climate change, the #GrowingTogether initiative promotes a philosophy to future tree planting in Wales that advocates more trees integrated into farming systems – rather than replacing farming systems, allowing food production, farming, trees, nature, landscapes and rural communities to thrive.

Glyn Davies said: “We are delighted that we could join Elin Jones MS and her father on their family farm to plant a tree. Engaging with politicians like Elin Jones MS is a vital component of spreading awareness of our #GrowingTogether campaign and sharing our ambitions with all those who have an interest in delivering the outcomes we all want to see.

“At NFU Cymru we firmly believe agriculture is uniquely placed to be part of the solution to climate change and that climate goals should be met in ways that are sustainable and fair.

“Tree planting targets should not be achieved through a binary choice of farming or forestry, instead Wales’ ambitious targets should be progressed in a way that safeguards the multiple economic, environmental, social and cultural benefits that Welsh farming provides.”

Elin Jones MS said: “It’s important that we take measures to enhance our natural habitat and work to reduce carbon emissions in order to lessen climate change. Farming has a big part to play in this effort and I know that farmers in Wales are keen to play their part, as are our food producers and custodians of our countryside.”

The NFU Cymru #GrowingTogether pledge stems from the union’s Growing Together: A strategy for sustainably increasing tree cover in Wales report, launched in September.

The document is a blueprint identifying the barriers and opportunities that exist to deliver on these objectives while safeguarding thriving rural communities and ensuring the continued production of high quality, affordable food in Wales.

For more information about NFU Cymru’s tree strategy and the #GrowingTogether campaign, visit www.nfu-cymru.org.uk.