Carmarthenshire recently took centre stage in Westminster at a special celebration organised in collaboration between the Farmers’ Union of Wales and Caerfyrddin Member of Parliament, Ann Davies.
‘Carmarthenshire Day’ was held at the historic Westminster Hall, bringing together a wealth of parliamentarians, peers and producers in a vibrant showcase of rural Welsh excellence.
As part of the celebrations, nine celebrated producers from across the length and breadth of Carmarthenshire were present including Bremenda Isaf, Tregroes Waffles, Brecon Carreg, Castell Howell, Coaltown Coffee, Mêl Gwenyn Gruffydd, Caws Cenarth, Carmarthen Ham and The Welsh Wool Shop. Each had the opportunity to engage with MPs, Lords and guests, offering a powerful insight into the diversity and quality of Carmarthenshire’s food, drink and craft sectors.
The event was officially opened by Dame Nia Griffith MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the UK Government’s Wales Office, herself the Member of Parliament for the Llanelli constituency in Carmarthenshire.
The event drew a wide range of cross-party politicians and peers from across the UK, including Ruth Jones MP, Chair of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee, Alistair Carmichael MP, Chair of Westminster’s Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Committee and DEFRA Shadow Secretary of State, Victoria Atkins MP. The politicians were also joined by over 35 Farmers’ Union of Wales members and supporters from Carmarthenshire, who made the journey along the M4 to celebrate the special day.
Commenting following the successful event, Ann Davies MP, who has served as Chair of the Farmers’ Union of Wales Carmarthenshire branch since 2023 said: “Carmarthenshire is a county built on hard work, innovation and community, it was a huge privilege to bring our producers to Westminster and to showcase what makes our part of Wales so special. This event was about more than products – it was about giving rural voices the platform they deserve and reminding Westminster of the value of regions like ours both economically and culturally.”
The celebration follows similar events previously hosted by the Farmers’ Union of Wales in Westminster, including Montgomeryshire Day in 2023.
The Carmarthenshire Day celebrations were particularly timely for the Farmers’ Union of Wales too, as they celebrate seventy years since the agricultural union was founded in Carmarthenshire in December 1955.
Commenting, FUW President Ian Rickman said:
“2025 marks an important year for the Farmers’ Union of Wales, as we celebrate seventy years since the Union was founded in Carmarthenshire.
“Working alongside Ann Davies MP, we were therefore delighted to support this successful event, bringing a taste of West Wales to the heart of Westminster.
“It was so heartening to see the event so well-attended by politicians and peers providing them not only with an opportunity to sample outstanding produce we boast in Wales, but also a valuable lobbying opportunity for FUW to highlight the range of challenges and changes facing Welsh farmers.”
Feature image: Ian, Nia and Ann
