FUW sets out key farming priorities to Plaid Cymru candidates ahead of Senedd election
As the Senedd election approaches, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) recently met with Plaid Cymru candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin to outline the union’s key priorities for the next Senedd and Welsh Government.
The meeting, hosted by FUW Carmarthenshire Chair Huw James, focused on the pressing challenges and emerging opportunities facing Welsh agriculture and rural communities.
Farming near Llanwinio in Carmarthenshire, Mr James is a third-generation farmer who now runs a beef finishing enterprise, having previously operated a dairy holding. He was joined by FUW President Ian Rickman, FUW Animal Health and Dairy Committee Chair Gerwyn Williams and FUW Life Member Brian Thomas.
During discussions with Plaid Cymru Senedd candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin - Cefin Campbell, Nerys Evans, Adam Price and Mari Arthur - the FUW highlighted the need for the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) to provide stability for Welsh farmers. The union also emphasised the importance of fair and adequate funding for the sector, alongside a proportionate, evidence-led and risk-based approach to water quality regulations.
The meeting also addressed the continued economic and emotional toll bovine TB places on Welsh farming families. As part of its Senedd election manifesto, the FUW is calling for a commitment to develop a scientifically supported, holistic strategy that tackles all sources of infection whilst respecting the need for Welsh family farms to remain economically viable. The Union also stressed the need for sufficient funding to support effective delivery of the programme and ensure fair compensation for affected farmers.
Commenting following the visit, FUW Carmarthenshire Chair, Huw James said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome Cefin, Nerys, Adam and Mari to Tyddyn, and to have the opportunity to discuss first-hand the realities facing family farms here in Carmarthenshire.
“Farmers are dealing with significant uncertainty - from ongoing changes to support schemes to the devastating impact of bovine TB - and it’s vital that future policies provide stability, fairness and a clear long-term vision for our industry.
“Farming is not only central to our food production: it underpins the economic, social and cultural fabric of our rural communities. Supporting the sector means supporting the communities that depend on it, and ensuring they can continue to thrive for generations to come.”
FUW President Ian Rickman added:
“We’re very grateful to the Plaid Cymru candidates for their time, and to Huw and Meryl for hosting this visit - providing a first-hand insight into the changes and challenges facing Welsh farmers.
Between now and May 7th, we look forward to continuing constructive engagement with all parties to ensure our shared priorities are delivered for the benefit of our farmers, rural communities and the wider Welsh economy.”
This year’s Senedd election will see the number of seats increase from 60 to 96, with the new Sir Gaerfyrddin constituency formed from the existing Caerfyrddin and Llanelli Westminster constituencies. The new constituency will elect six Senedd Members via a proportional voting system.
