By Eben Leonard BBC Wales News Online

Middlewood Farm is just outside the village of Bwlch, two miles from Llangynidr, and some 10 miles from Brecon.

Other farmers around Middlewood Farm are shocked by the outbreak

Nestling at the foot of the Brecon Beacons, it is usually a place of serenity but the peace and quiet was shattered on Thursday as the farm was besieged by scientists, government officials and news camera crews.

The farm, owned by John Morgan, has been confirmed as the source of one of the world's most damaging potato diseases and one which has never before been seen in the UK.

Speaking from the home he shares with his wife Anne and son Andrew, Mr Morgan spoke of his "devastation at the news".

Villagers spoke of their surprise that such a well-respected farmer and community figure should have been caught up in another farming crisis.

One man, who did not want to be named, said: "I'm incredibly surprised.

We are desperately sorry for him. He told me yesterday he was very upset. John Ticehurst, neighbour Q&A: Potato ring rot

"John Morgan is an excellent farmer and he really does a lot for the community.

"If it is ring rot this is going to be shattering for them. I believe he is one of the main producers of seed potatoes in the country."

Mr Morgan is a prominent local Conservative community councillor - local people say former prime minister Margaret Thatcher once visited his farm.

The villager added: "They are wonderful people and have been in the area for many years."

John Ticehurst, who lives in a house next door to the farm, said: "Mr and Mrs Morgan are very shocked by it.

Mr Morgan is a prominent member of the community

"We are desperately sorry for him. He told me yesterday he was very upset. They both were."

Mr Ticehurst said Mr Morgan had been trying a new variety of potato this year.

But he said he did not think the effect would be long-term.

"I don't think it will have an impact on the village," he said.

"The only impact is I can't buy my spuds from him at the moment."

Audrey Smith, caretaker of Bwlch village hall, said: "He is a very nice chap. I am very shocked."