Influential role: Women's Food and Farming Union president Ionwen Lewis with Prime Minister Gordon Brown and secretary of state for rural affairs Hilary Benn.

A west Wales farmer is thriving on the challenges of being the president of the Women's Food and Farming Union (WFFU).

Ionwen Lewis is now in her third year as president of the WFFU, and is passionate about farming and rural life.

She said: "My heart is in farming. I think that the attractiveness of the countryside and the well-being of its communities are dependent on a viable farming industry.

"So many people don't understand the countryside and farming. I want to do all that I can to improve the industry's lot and further the wholesome image of home-produced food. The role in the education of today's and tomorrow's consumers is paramount."

Mrs Lewis, who grew up at Crugybar developed her practical knowledge of farming when her family ran a livestock holding at Rhoscrowther in south Pembrokeshire.

She now has her own farm near Aberaeron with a productive herd of Welsh Black cattle and a breeding flock of Texels.

Mrs Lewis thrives on new challenges and also runs a very successful farmhouse bed and breakfast, three fishing lakes and also lets out ten fully refurbished farm buildings as business units, workshops and offices.

3:23pm Friday 9th May 2008

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