Bishop calls on congregations to support farmers

The Bishop of Saint Davids in Wales has urged his congregation to give its full support to Welsh farmers amid the continued foot and mouth outbreaks and floods that have hit them over the past year.

|PIC1|The Rt Rev Carl Cooper has told his congregants that, as churches across Britain celebrate Harvest Thanksgiving festivals, many farmers may still be reeling from seemingly endless difficulties.

According to icWales, the Bishop said: "The wet summer has caused major problems in ensuring quality food for the winter months.

"The foot-and-mouth outbreak in August, and again in September, wreaked havoc and continues to raise anxiety levels."

He continued by addressing the latest problem to hit farmers - the bluetongue disease. He said: "Now bluetongue disease has arisen. All this has added stress and strain to an industry already on its knees.

"As a diocese, we continue to be in the business of serving the rural, agricultural communities of West Wales."

The church has tried to raise awareness of the plight of farmers and has been providing surrounding parishes with regular updates. Bishop Cooper said, "There are many initiatives. My rural life adviser, Rev Eileen Davies, ensures every parish priest receives regular up-to-date bulletins of the situation the agricultural industry is facing."

In addition, a support service has been set up to offer comfort to distressed and anxious farmers. The Bishop explained: "We have established the Farm Support Service, a register of volunteers willing to offer short-term, practical help to farmers during times of difficulty."

He concluded: "We are acutely aware of all those affected by the agricultural industry, as so many are suffering indirectly because of the consequences of a financially hard-pressed sector.

"Prayers are offered on behalf of all those engaged in the industry."