Meurig Voyle began working for the union in the early 1960s

The organisation, which celebrated its 50th anniversary at the Royal Welsh Show, discussed the state of the industry ahead of a special reception.

FUW president Gareth Vaughan said the last decade had been "awful" and farming had to restore consumer links.

But union member Meurig Voyle said the union had "a lot to be proud of" in its 50 year existence.

Mr Vaughan said: "As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the FUW, we must remember that farmers are facing an uncertain future.

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"This is especially true when considering single farm payments which are taking effect shortly.

"It means that farmers will be paid for stock on an historical basis instead of per head."

Mr Vaughan said the effect of the payment on farmers was hard to predict.

"The last decade has been awful, low commodity prices for sheep and cattle the most recent problem."

Mr Vaughan added: "Over 50 years farming has changed dramatically and during that period farmers have lost touch with consumers.

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"One thing we have to do is restore that link because people know what they are buying and where it comes from more and more."

Honorary FUW member Meurig Voyle, who worked for the FUW from 1961 to 1990 in his native Carmarthenshire and later in Denbighshire, said he remembered the early days of the union.

He added: "When I first went to the show I remember being told by the president that I should always take my hat off to greet the farmer's wife and always talk to their children because they will be the ones who will decide whether the family joins the union.

"That's when we were canvassing for members and trying to get a foothold."