Working on the land his family have farmed for 375 years has given Gareth Wyn Jones a unique perspective on life.
His land includes 2,000 acres farmed by a community partnership, where Jones bases his cattle and sheep farm. He is also caretaker of 27,000 acres of open hill land, some owned by the Crown and the Abergwegraggion Mountain owned by the National Trust.
He is highly active on social media, with over 2.5 million followers on his YouTube channel. His commitment to sharing information and championing the life of a farmer led him to being named National Farmers’ Union’s Welsh Community Champion in 2014.
Gareth and I recorded this conversation at a pivotal moment for British farmers. Where profit-seeking corporations and political operators in Whitehall are interfering in the food system in unprecedented and increasingly dangerous ways.
In this wide-ranging discussion, we cover the rich history of farming in the UK, the importance of seasonal eating, and the impact of global supply chains on food security.
We explore the challenges faced by farmers due to decades of destructive government policies, mental health issues within the farming community, and the need for a revolution in the food system to ensure sustainability and health for future generations.
Gareth highlights food supply as a national security issue and the necessity for public support for agriculture. This is something we must all, as active and conscientious British citizens put our full weight behind.
These are crucial issues that I'll be championing here and through my other projects. As Gareth rightly points out, farmers must stay in the field for as long as possible; they have important work to do. It's down to us, the British people, to be their voice in the public square.
He also emphasises the importance of empowering local economies through direct food sourcing, the significance of local food hubs, and how this would help to protect family farms. Importantly, this presents a significant market opportunity for those with the vision and motivation to build these new systems. Entrepreneurs: time to get to work.
The conversation also touches on the urgent need to attract younger generations into farming, opportunities for on-the-job learning, and the deeper connection with nature that farming provides.
On that final point, I'd like to take a moment to appreciate the profound spiritual connection Gareth clearly has with the land of his ancestors. I believe this is something we can all learn from, and need to get back to.
"A place for your soul to find peace... What I do and where I live is that kind of place, and everybody deserves that place in life."
GARETH WYN JONES
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From the countryside.
E pluribus unum.
Ben Rubin
PATTERN
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