CLA Cymru strengthens political engagement at the Royal Welsh Show

Throughout the four days, the CLA Cymru Pavilion welcomed hundreds of visitors and hosted a packed programme of meetings, receptions, discussions and networking opportunities. The Show once again demonstrated its importance as one of the most significant events in the Welsh calendar and provided a unique opportunity to bring together those with an interest in the future of rural Wales.

A key part of the week involved an extensive programme of political engagement meetings. Colleagues from CLA Cymru, supported by colleagues from across the wider CLA, met with a large number of elected representatives from all political parties. This included many newly elected Members of the Senedd (MSs) who are still settling into their roles and, for many, engaging with CLA Cymru for the first time.

The Show provided an invaluable opportunity to introduce CLA Cymru's priorities, discuss the opportunities and challenges facing rural communities and ensure that the voices of landowners, rural businesses and land managers were heard directly by policymakers.

Alongside meetings with Members of the Senedd, CLA Cymru also welcomed Members of Parliament, Ministers and other political stakeholders. One of the highlights of the week was a roundtable discussion with members of the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, providing an excellent opportunity to discuss the importance of agriculture, land management, environmental policy and economic growth in rural areas.

This year's political discussions took place against a particularly significant national backdrop. On the opening day of the Royal Welsh Show, a new Prime Minister entered Number 10 Downing Street. As new Cabinet appointments and ministerial announcements emerged throughout the day, conversations across the Showground frequently turned to what these changes could mean for Wales and the wider rural economy.

For CLA Cymru, these discussions reinforced the importance of maintaining strong relationships across the political spectrum. Rural Wales faces a range of opportunities and challenges, from food production and environmental management to housing, infrastructure, energy and economic development. Effective engagement with elected representatives at every level of government remains essential to ensuring that rural perspectives are fully understood and reflected in policy making.

CLA Cymru remains committed to working constructively with all political parties and representatives. Building relationships with new MSs, while strengthening existing connections across both Cardiff Bay and Westminster, will continue to be a key priority as we champion the interests of our members and ensure that the voice of rural Wales is heard loud and proud.

The Royal Welsh Show once again provided the ideal setting for those conversations and CLA Cymru would like to thank all those who visited the Pavilion, attended events and took the time to engage with us during a memorable and productive week.

These are just some of the people we met (in no order).