Bovine TB, rising costs and SFS on the agenda as FUW meets Welsh Conservatives' candidates

As the Senedd election approaches on May 7, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) continues to engage with political parties across the spectrum, outlining its key policy priorities for the farming sector and rural communities ahead of the next Senedd and Welsh Government term.

As part of this engagement, FUW Ceredigion Chair Emyr Evans welcomed Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz, Welsh Conservative lead candidates for the new Ceredigion Penfro constituency.

During a visit to his dairy farm in Talsarn, Ceredigion, Emyr Evans and his family highlighted a range of challenges facing Welsh agriculture. These included the significant drop in dairy prices in recent months, as well as the impact of the recent conflict in the Middle East on farm finances, particularly through rising fuel and fertiliser costs.

Key to the discussions were the prolonged impact of bovine TB on Welsh agriculture, with representatives from the FUW outlining their key manifesto calls to implement a scientifically supported and holistic approach to Bovine TB Eradication in Wales. 

Bovine TB in Wales continues to devastate the wellbeing and economic viability of family farms in Wales, with over 89,000 cattle slaughtered as a result of a Bovine TB positive test over the last 10 years.

As part of their manifesto, the FUW is calling for a comprehensive review of the current Bovine TB Eradication Programme to identify why progress towards eradication has been limited and to ensure effective corrective action is taken. They advocate for a scientifically robust, sustainable, and holistic long-term strategy for Wales, developed through the Programme Board and Technical Advisory Group. 

The manifesto also stresses the need for adequate and sustained funding to ensure fair compensation for culled animals and to support the efficient and coordinated delivery of the eradication programme across all stakeholders.

The meeting also provided the opportunity to outline the need for continued collaboration to deliver a fair and fit-for-purpose Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), and the need to strengthen Wales’ food system, highlighting the importance of production, processing, and public procurement.

Commenting following the visit, FUW Ceredigion Chair, Emyr Evans said:

“We were very pleased to welcome Paul and Sam to the farm and to have the opportunity to discuss the real challenges facing Welsh farmers at this time. From the pressures on dairy prices to rising input costs and the ongoing impact of bovine TB, it is clear that rural communities are under significant strain. We are grateful to them for taking the time to listen and engage constructively with these issues on the ground.”

FUW Deputy President, Dai Miles added:

“As we approach the Senedd election, it is vital that the voices of rural Wales are heard clearly and reflected in future policy decisions. The choices made in the next term of government will be crucial for the future of Welsh agriculture, food production, and our rural communities, and we look forward to continuing these important conversations with all parties ahead of and beyond polling day.”