ROBERT VOYLE, county chairman, Pembrokeshire FUW

As we attend the show this year and celebrate all that is good about the agricultural industry within Pembrokeshire, we cannot help but acknowledge the enormity of the reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy and the affect they will have on the industry over the next few years.

We could sit and mourn for the old systems but we need instead to embrace the changes and make them work for us. A survey which the Farmers' Union of Wales carried out in December 2003, revealed that 60% of farmers questioned felt either optimistic or very optimistic about the current state of farming and it is this optimism which we need to hold on to and develop to ensure a sustainable industry for future generations.

While we continue to be plagued by TB in the county we must trust that the Welsh Assembly Government will let common sense, and not sentiment, prevail when it publishs and implements the results of its current inquiry.

The FUW prides itself in taking on board the views of its grass roots members and this has been apparent during the past 12 months when we have held open meetings in the county.

The feedback from members has proved invaluable in helping to formulate the union's policies which are vital when lobbying politicians in Cardiff and beyond.

On behalf of all at the FUW in Pembrokeshire, I would like to extend our best wishes to the show committee and their band of loyal volunteers, and look forward to welcoming all our friends both old and new to our stand where staff will be on hand to answer any questions or concerns which you may have, particularly with regard to the Single Farm Payment.