FUW outlines key election priorities to Reform UK
Ahead of the May Senedd election, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) is continuing to host representatives from across political parties on farms throughout Wales. These visits are aimed at highlighting the Union’s key policy priorities for the farming sector and rural communities ahead of the next Senedd and Welsh Government term.
As part of this ongoing engagement, FUW President Ian Rickman, alongside FUW representatives, recently met with Reform UK candidates in Pentrefoelas, Conwy, to discuss key issues affecting farming and rural communities.
Candidates present included Richard John Jones and Thomas John Clark (Bangor Conwy Môn), Adrian Mason (Clwyd), Nigel Williams, Paul Ashton and Cristiana Emsley (Flint Wrecsam) and Andrew Griffin (Gwynedd Maldwyn).
The FUW reiterated its manifesto calls for the next Welsh Government to provide adequate funding, maintain close collaboration with the farming industry, and deliver a medium-term financial framework that gives certainty to Welsh farming businesses.
Union officials also outlined their manifesto aims, calling for strong foundations for rural communities and for the Welsh language to be placed at the heart of future policy making. The Union representatives emphasised the importance of recognising the close relationship between Welsh farming and rural life, and the need for joined-up decision-making across areas such as housing, digital connectivity, education, and rural crime.
The FUW is calling on the next Welsh Government to support the findings of the Commission for Welsh-speaking Communities by ensuring the Welsh language and the principle of the family farm are central to agricultural and environmental policy. It also urges action to address gaps in rural broadband provision to prevent businesses from being disadvantaged by a shift to online-only services, alongside stronger commitments to tackling rural crime through existing coordination structures and strategies.
The FUW also outlined further key manifesto asks including: tackling farm bureaucracy and red tape; new measures to support young and new entrants into farming, a holistic, science-led approach to bovine TB eradication that addresses wildlife as well as cattle; and a risk-based review of water quality regulations to ensure policies are proportionate, affordable and effective.
Commenting following the visit, FUW President Ian Rickman said: “Farmers in Wales are operating in an increasingly uncertain environment, and the decisions made in the next Senedd term will be critical to the future of our industry, our rural communities, and the Welsh language. This election is a key opportunity to ensure Welsh agriculture is supported with long-term stability, fair funding, and policies that reflect the realities of farming on the ground.
“We’re grateful to the Reform UK candidates for meeting with us ahead of polling day, and we look forward to continuing to engage with all political parties in the run-up to the Senedd election to ensure the voices and priorities of Welsh farmers are heard across the political spectrum.”
