Welsh farming is entering an exciting time as it seeks to meet the key challenges that society has set of producing more food to feed a growing population, whilst still reducing impact on the environment.

To capitalise, the industry aims to create an environment that encourages innovation, investment and new blood actively participating in order to secure the future of farming in Wales.

The farming unions want to help encourage the young entrepreneurs out there to consider a career in agriculture - whether from a farming background or not.

It is felt that with farming and food production being more valued by the general public than for many years, we can harness these innovative and business minded young people out there to lead the industry forward into the exciting times ahead.

Last Saturday, the NFU in Wales were among a number of farming organisations supporting the Worshipful Company of Farmers in taking a Back British Farming message into the heart of the City of London to encourage more people to think about where their food comes from.

The 801st Lord Mayor’s Show - one of the oldest and most popular historic civic pageants in the world in front of hundreds of thousands of spectators with millions watching live on the BBC - marked the culmination of the farming industry’s push to celebrate Great British food and farming which, during the past year, has included Back British Farming Day, Back Welsh Farming bale stickers, the #Buy5 initiative, Red Tractor Week and British Food Fortnight.

Amongst 12 young farmers from across the UK who took part in the parade was Tom Rees - a member of NFU’s Next Generation Policy Group - who plays a key role in the day to day running of the family’s beef, sheep and arable holding.

Having participated in the historic three-mile long procession through the streets of the City of London which included most of the 110 livery companies, along with more than 7,000 participants, 200 horses, 20 marching bands, dancers, performers and the armed forces, Tom said: “I think it’s good for the cause for people to get to a big event such as this and showcase agriculture. People have a stereotypical view of farming, but there are a lot of young people involved in agriculture, pursuing these new methods. It’s so important to engage with the public about where their food comes from.”