CLA Wales

The CLA Wales team, led by Director Julian Salmon, is lively and proactive. 

Operating from offices in the different regions of Wales, coverage is well spread across the country. It means that, as rural economy experts in business to help manage the ongoing changes in the countryside, the team is close to its members and well positioned to give them the best advice to secure their long-term future.

The hub of the unit is based at Hoddell Farm, Kinnerton, near Presteigne and from there Julian Salmon and Assistant Regional Director Val Taylor tackle the wide ranging and challenging range of issues facing landowning and management in the 21st century.

Welsh speaking Sue Evans, Policy Advisor, is based in Anglesey, but is frequently in Cardiff Bay to ensure that the CLA's views are taken into consideration when policy is drafted by the Welsh Assembly Government. 

Assistant Director Wales South, is Sarah Andrews.  She is based in Narberth, Pembrokeshire and is ably assisted by Barbara Walden. 

Assistant Director, Wales North, is Dawn Harding Maddocks and she and her team are based at Bangor-on-Dee, near Wrexham.  They include Helen Follwell who is in the office three days a week and husband James.

The six field officers in Wales are always busy and ready to help.  They are Bill Walter and Bernard Lewis who cover Anglesey, North Wales & Montgomeryshire and Tony Broomfield, Alun Evans, Margaret Rees & Vanessa Phillips who cover Brecon & Radnor and South & West Wales. 

Gaina Morgan handles press and publicity and is always happy to promote a new enterprise.

CLA Wales was the first Welsh farming organisation to be concerned with food security.  Meanwhile one of the biggest challenges likely to affect the long term viability of Welsh farming is the new £89million a year Glastir, which from 2012 will replace the five existing agri-environment schemes with a single scheme.
EID is an unwelcome innovation, which is likely to change the face of Welsh agriculture.  The consultation runs until the end of July but is likely to be forced through by European regulations, driving many sheep producers out of business.

The CLA's Broadband campaign has also touched a nerve.  It was the biggest cause of concern among those attending the CLA at the Royal Welsh Smallholders and Garden Festival and the 'Not Spots' threaten to drive innovative and progressive business out of the countryside.

CLA Wales members tend to be pro-active and have been well placed to change with the times. Wales has three National Parks, a breathtaking and varied coastline and soaring mountain heights. The topography brings challenges, with 80% of the land 'disadvantaged' , but this has also instilled a tough and enduring spirit in its people, as well as its stock.

CLA Wales is always ready to help them stay ahead of change.