Farmers leader to stand down

The Farmers' Union of Wales president Gareth Vaughan of Dolfor is to stand down this summer after eight years in the post.

Mr Vaughan, 69, who farms near Newtown said he would continue to campaign for farmers.

Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies said Mr Vaughan, 69, was a "great champion of farming and of the FUW".

He was awarded an MBE in the New Year's honours list for services to agriculture.

Mr Vaughan has been a member of the union for about 25 years, and will step down as president at its annual meeting in June.

He said it was time for a younger person to take over.

"I'll be 70 at my next birthday. There's some very good young people who will do the job very well, and it's only right and fair for them to have the opportunity," Mr Vaughan said.

"I've enjoyed my time as president and I've made lots of friends and met many wonderful people. Among the highlights was a meeting I had with the prime minister of New Zealand who visited Wales, and the European agricultural commissioner who visited as well."

Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies said Mr Vaughan had made a difference.

He said: "Gareth has been a great champion of farming and a great champion of the FUW.

"He was recently recognised in the New Year's honours list and rightly so. He will be sorely missed as president and someone will have some big farmer's boots to fill."