The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has responded to the Welsh Government’s publication of the independent review into the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021.

The controversial regulations were introduced by the Welsh Government to reduce losses of pollutants from agriculture to the environment. They came into force on all farms across Wales on 1 April 2021, with a transitional period for some measures to 1 January 2023 and 1 August 2024.

In 2024, the Welsh Government announced the appointment of Dr Susannah Bolton to oversee the 4-year review of the CoAP Regulations, with a view of considering the effectiveness of the measures imposed by the regulations to reduce water pollution from agricultural sources.

The report’s findings, released today, found that there are significant opportunities to make improvements to the deployment of the regulations to benefit the environment and farmers. This includes improved targeting, reducing burdens on low-risk farming activities, increasing clarity for farmers and addressing regulatory gaps.

The Welsh Government has committed to implement all 23 recommendations in full, with the independent review making recommendations in five key areas:

• Better targeting regulations at polluting activities while reducing burdens on low-risk farming
• Improving accessibility and clarity of regulations for farmers
• Exploring alternative measures, particularly regarding closed periods and the 170kg nitrogen per hectare manure limit
• Supporting innovation in farming practices
• Addressing regulatory gaps, including soil protection measures and nutrient management planning

The review concluded a whole-Wales approach is needed to help farms to prevent and reduce pollution, however noted further consideration was required of alternatives to the current measures, including the fixed closed periods for the spreading of manure and the 170kg limit.

Responding to the publication, FUW President Ian Rickman said: “The Farmers’ Union of Wales has consistently opposed these regulations due to their bureaucratic, costly and disproportionate nature. The FUW has previously raised longstanding concerns with the Welsh Government surrounding the difficulties farmers face in complying with the regulations - particularly in regarding the recently imposed slurry storage requirements and fixed closed periods for spreading.

“There was an opportunity to work collaboratively with the Welsh Government ahead of the introduction of these regulations in 2021, but that door was shut hard in our faces. More recently, however, we have welcomed the opportunity to engage with Dr Susannah Bolton during this process and this report is an indication that the door for negotiation with the Welsh Government will be opened over the coming months.”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales previously opposed the all-Wales regulations in favour of a targeted approach.The FUW has argued this would allow resources to be focused where they are most needed; ensuring maximum impacts in tackling water quality.

“As we take the time to analyse the evidence and the Economic Impact Assessment of the 170kg per hectare nitrogen limit over the coming days, the initial statement from the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs suggesting that the economic impact assessment is ‘indicative’ due to ‘significant caveats’, highlights how the Welsh Government previously opted to copy decades old EU legislation into the statute book without considering Wales-specific evidence.

“Nevertheless, a commitment from the Welsh Government to explore alternative innovative solutions to the closed periods and nitrogen limits has to be welcomed, as does the hint towards a risk-based approach through lessening the burden for low-risk farmers and potential exemptions.

“Through regulatory change or otherwise, the FUW maintains that the record-keeping and bureaucratic requirements of these regulations must be simplified for farmers. There is no doubt that this will support an approach of on-farm decision making based on practical data as opposed to nutrient management planning being seen as a costly and time consuming process.

“We now expect the Welsh Government to publish a programme of works over the coming months outlining how these recommendations will be taken forward. Whilst the devil will be in the detail, working in collaboration with the farming industry is paramount so that long-term confidence can be provided to the sector.”

In their weekly column, FUW consider the sobering data released by Defra on the number of cattle slaughtered in Wales as a result of bTB.

Last week saw the return of the political parties’ conference season, with Plaid Cymru hosting their Spring Conference in Llandudno. With next year’s key Senedd election fast-approaching, it provided an opportunity for the party to outline its vision and priorities for the coming year, and an opportunity for Farmers’ Union of Wales officials to lobby politicians and candidates on the changes and challenges facing the agricultural sector. 

Amidst the many challenges facing Welsh farmers, bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) continues to cast a dark shadow. Not only does the disease pose a threat to livestock, but it continues to impact the day-to-day life of farmers and their livelihoods and wellbeing. 

The extent of the challenge bTB poses to Welsh farming was emphasised last week in sobering figures released by Defra. 2024 saw 13,034 animals slaughtered in Wales as a result of a bTB incident - an increase of 27% on the previous 12 month period. Tragically, the number of TB-positive cattle slaughtered in Wales in 2024 was the highest ever in a single 12-month period.

Behind these record-breaking slaughter statistics lie Welsh farmers and families bearing the immense burden and unseen costs of this crisis; their businesses threatened, and their mental health often at breaking point.

Whilst eradicating bTB remains a hugely complex and emotive subject, the FUW did welcome the Welsh Government’s decision last Summer to establish a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) and TB Eradication Programme Board was a step in the right direction. As part of the work, the FUW has welcomed the opportunity to sit on the Board -  bringing together expertise and experience from a range of farmers, vets, Welsh Government and animal health representatives. 

Whilst the group’s work continues to get underway - and sadly, answers will not be implemented overnight - it remains the case that these slaughter statistics again provide a timely and significant reminder of the extent, and cost of bTB on farmyards across Wales.

Each animal that is prematurely removed from a farm, as a result of a positive TB test, contributes to snowballing economic consequences for that business. There are numerous unseen additional costs incurred with mandatory slaughter such as lost revenue, loss of milk production, loss of breeding lines, delays to re-stocking, shifts in marketing, persistent changes in herd size, disruption to planned purchases and the additional feed, bedding and housing requirements of a breakdown.

It’s all too clear that the status quo cannot continue, and the FUW will continue to reiterate the desperate need for the Welsh Government to take the disease by the scruff of its neck and follow the science in broadening the eradication policy in Wales by adopting a truly holistic approach to address this challenge.

Prominent Carmarthenshire farmer, and Member of Parliament for Caerfyrddin, Ann Davies, has been shortlisted for the Agricultural Ambassador of the Year prize at the National Women in Agriculture Awards 2025.

The annual awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of women making a significant impact in the agricultural industry, with this year’s final set to be held in London in May.

Born and raised in rural Carmarthenshire, Ann’s agricultural journey began in 1992, with her and her husband starting as tenant farmers on a dairy farm near Llanarthne. Alongside her work on the farm, she went on to work as a peripatetic music teacher, and  lecturer in early years learning at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, before becoming the joint owner of a local children’s nursery alongside one of her three daughters.

Ann was elected as a County Councillor on Carmarthenshire County Council in 2017, and was appointed as a cabinet member of the Council in 2021 originally under the portfolio of Communities and Rural Affairs. 

As County Councillor, she became a prominent voice in local campaigns against the development of pylons routes in rural Carmarthenshire. In 2023, she was also appointed Chair of the Carmarthenshire branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW).

She was elected Member of Parliament for the new Caerfyrddin constituency in 2024, and as one of four Plaid Cymru MPs in Westminster, has adopted a wide portfolio including; work and pensions, education, transport, and crucially, environment and rural affairs.

As Member of Parliament, Ann has spoken on a vast number of occasions at Westminster regarding the pressing issues facing the agricultural sector and rural communities, including the UK Government’s controversial changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR), the future of farming, and food security. 

Despite her Parliamentary duties, Ann continues to work on the farm - often out milking in her wellies - whilst her Sunday mornings are spent in chapel, before a Sunday lunch on the farm providing an opportunity to catch-up with her three daughters and many grandchildren.

Commenting on Ann Davies’ nomination, Farmers’ Union of Wales President, Ian Rickman said: “Everyone at the FUW is absolutely delighted with Ann Bremenda’s nomination for this prestigious award.

"For decades, as a farmer, County Councillor and hardworking FUW County Chair, Ann has been an unwavering champion for rural Wales. Since being elected Member of Parliament for Caerfyrddin last year, she has taken this understanding, enthusiasm and dedication towards our rural communities to the heart of Westminster, promoting a range of issues championing our countryside and the agricultural sector. 

"At a challenging time for Welsh farming, having a friend like Ann fighting our corner is invaluable, and we wish her well for the award ceremony.”

The news that the UK Government is to stop accepting new applications for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) Scheme in England has proven the Farmers’ Union of Wales’ views and concerns in response to previous consultations in Wales were correct.

On 11 March, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Daniel Zeichner MP, announced that England’s SFI scheme had reached its application limit, with 37,000 agreements signed for funding, and the total budget subsequently allocated.

The FUW has consistently argued that any replacement farm support scheme in Wales must be built on robust economic analysis, thorough piloting, and clear long-term planning to prevent such instability.

FUW President Ian Rickman responded to the announcement, saying: “When we hosted a panel discussion at last year’s Royal Welsh Show on how agricultural support policies are being developed across the UK, three of the four speakers expressed a preference for farming in England.

“Yet, just eight months later, the reality in England has changed drastically. The UK Government’s erratic approach of announcing and adjusting payment rates without thorough economic modelling has left farmers in the lurch, highlighting the dangers of shortsighted policies.”

“For decades, the FUW has championed a structured, economically sound approach to farm support. Unlike England’s unsustainable model, Wales’ Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) has been shaped through rigorous consultation and input from farming communities. Thanks to FUW’s advocacy, the Scheme will include an area-based Universal Baseline Payment, ensuring fairer, more stable support for Welsh farmers.”

The FUW has also long advocated for capping payments to maximise the amount of money going to typical family farms and those who make the greatest contribution to rural communities and the economy.

“As discussions continue over the finer details of the SFS, the lessons from England must not be ignored,” Mr Rickman added.

“The Welsh Government must remain committed to its structured, consultative approach and ensure the transition from the Basic Payment Scheme provides certainty for farmers. It is crucial that any new scheme is workable, affordable, and prioritises those who sustain our rural communities.”

Dai Miles, Farmers’ Union of Wales Deputy President added:

“The turmoil in England is a clear example of why Welsh farmers need strong representation through the FUW. Without a union advocating for fair policies and financial stability, farmers risk being subjected to ill-conceived government schemes that fail to address their real needs.

As the FUW marks its 70th anniversary, this milestone reinforces the enduring importance of farmer-led representation. The challenges of modern farming - government policy shifts, economic pressures, and environmental demands - make it more crucial than ever for farmers to stand together. By uniting under the FUW, Welsh farmers can continue to shape policies that protect their way of life and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.”