NFU Cymru's strategy for tree planting in Wales received a boost from Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz recently when he joined members on farm to plant a tree as part of the union’s #GrowingTogether campaign.

Mr Kurtz, the Conservative spokesman on rural affairs in the Senedd, visited Mr Phillips’ farm in Lamphey to plant an oak tree, kindly supplied by Coed Cadw – The Woodland Trust 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 recently-launched #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.

Pembrokeshire NFU Cymru county chairman Roger Lewis said: “We are delighted that Samuel Kurtz MS could join us to plant a tree at Mr Phillips’ farm in Lamphey. Engaging with politicians 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.”

Mr Kurtz said: “The agricultural community are rightly excited by the part they can play in tree planting and helping reach our net zero target.

“To see local farmers collaborating with the Woodland Trust shows their commitment to being positive advocates in our fight against climate change.

“I’d urge all union members — and farmers more generally — to plant a tree or two in support of NFU’s Growing Together campaign.”

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, please visit nfu-cymru.org.uk.