Prince of Wales launches scheme to help upland farmers
The Prince of Wales will launch an initiative to help support upland sheep farmers during his annual summer tour of Wales with the Duchess of Cornwall.
The Cambrian Mountain Initiative aims to help farmers who keep flocks and manage the landscape in rural communities market their valuable produce and give consumers confidence in the lamb they buy.
Charles will travel to a remote rural holding and meet farmers to promote their work.
Another highlight of the five-day tour will see the royal couple attend a dinner, hosted by First Minister Rhodri Morgan, to mark the 50th anniversary of Charles becoming the Prince of Wales in July 1958.
During the visit the royal couple will be based in their Welsh home of Llwynywermod near the village of Myddfai in Carmarthenshire.
The property was bought by the Duchy of Cornwall in November 2006 and when its renovation is complete staff flats will be rented out as holiday homes.
The visit to Wales begins next Monday and the highlight of the day will see the Prince and Duchess travel to St Davids Cathedral in Pembrokeshire to inaugurate the building’s restored cloisters and meet staff and supporters of the project.
There will be no public engagements the following day as Charles will be holding a series of private meetings with his charities that work in Wales and other organisations. In the evening he will host a private dinner with the Duchess.
On Wednesday Charles, joined by Camilla, will launch the Cambrian Mountain Initiative at a reception in Llyswen, Brecon, Powys, after he has toured Tyllwyd Farm in Cwmystwyth near Aberystwyth and met local farmers.
The Initiative encourages sheep farmers to sign up to a set of principles - including ensuring their animals are born and bred within a specified area and reared using traditional methods - and will also help them market their produce.
Camilla will spend the start of her day meeting members of the Myddfai Women’s Institute at the local village hall.
The following day Penderyn Distillery, a Welsh whisky company in Mid Glamorgan, will have its new visitor centre opened by the Prince who launched the firm’s single malt in 2004.
Later Charles will give a speech at a seminar hosted in Cardiff by the Wales Council For Voluntary Action about the experiences his charities have had in Wales.
The Duchess will carry out her own engagement that day and officially open the Cowbridge Physic Garden at Llanblethian, South Glamorgan.
Later in the evening the First Minister will host a celebration dinner at Caerphilly Castle - the venue for Charles’ investiture as the Prince of Wales in 1969 - to mark the 50th anniversary of the royal receiving the title from the Queen on July 28 1958.
On Friday the Prince will host a number of private meetings at his Welsh home.
