We constantly monitor the latest developments in the agricultural world in order to advise members, and lobby departments and bodies whose decisions affect Welsh agriculture.

Are you a member looking for advice and guidance on an agricultural policy issue? Contact your local office in the first instance, or become involved in the policy committees.

Nick grew up on hill farms in the Talerddig and Machynlleth areas of Montgomeryshire. He studied chemistry and computational chemistry at Bangor University before returning to Montgomeryshire in 1999 to complete a PhD in Theoretical and Computational Statistical Chemistry. Prior to joining the FUW policy team in 2004, he ran a computer programming and consultancy business, specialising in IT for agricultural and rural businesses, and was also a project officer for the Forestry Commission/Heritage Lottery funded Story of the Forest oral history project. He is married to Elizabeth Sian, an artist, graphic designer and theatre designer. Elizabeth and Nick have two daughters, Myfanwy and Morfudd. In his spare time Nick enjoys playing and listening to music, and has written and recorded with numerous bands including Tystion, MC Mabon, Bazwca and Huw Haul.

Selection of publications and articles:

• Testing times for tackling TB (Institute of Welsh Affairs, February 2017)
• Don't twist reality to create the wild Wales of English romantic myth (Guardian, 2013)
• Modelled impacts of badger culling on cattle TB in a real area with geographic boundaries (Veterinary Record, 2011)
• Welsh farmers will be relieved that the badger cull is going ahead (Guardian, 2010)
• A Portrait of Machynlleth and its Surroundings (Coch-y-Bonddu Books, 2009)
• Computer simulation of a Langmuir trough experiment carried out on a nanoparticulate array (Journal of Chemical Physics, 2001)
• The rapid and accurate determination of germ tube emergence site by Blumeriagraminisconidia (Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology, 2000)

 

Alongside the Head of Policy, Dr Hazel Wright provides leadership and guidance on numerous agricultural policy related matters. Alongside providing consultation responses on relevant issues, Hazel also provides written and oral evidence to external committees, represents member interests to a variety of stakeholders and undertakes regular analysis of current and future policy matters.

Hazel’s remit consists of those issues pertaining to livestock health and welfare and this includes, bovine TB, BVD, sheep scab, disease surveillance, animal by-products, fallen stock and livestock worrying. Hazel is responsible for the union’s Animal Health and Welfare Committee.

Hazel possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Glasgow and a PhD in Parasitology from Aberystwyth University. Prior to commencing the role of Senior Policy Officer in 2010, Hazel worked for the FUW in the position of Commodities Policy Officer.

Hazel has a strong interest in disease biology and has been involved in a range of post-doctoral research projects including host-parasite interactions and parasite proteomics. She has published her research in a variety of academic journals.

Gareth joined the FUW policy team in 2019 to help provide effective and timely communications on all policy related issues.

As Senior Policy and Communications Officer, he is responsible for relevant areas of work relating to policy communications both internally and externally including the continued regular provision of news and updates to FUW officials, members and those outside the organisation. Gareth helps to develop focussed relationships to ensure clear communication of the Union’s position on important legislative issues that promotes the interests of our members and lays the foundations for a forward-looking agricultural industry. He is also responsible for directing the servicing of Standing Committees of the Council of the Union.

Gareth has a family background in agriculture and prior to joining the policy team, completed a degree in Agriculture and Business Studies at Aberystwyth University with first class honours.

Teleri is a first generation tenant farmer farming in Nantmor, Gwynedd with her husband Ned. She grew up in Wrexham and Meifod, Montgomeryshire. Teleri joined the Policy team in 2020 and leads on Climate Change, Biodiversity, Forestry and Red Meat as well as general Future Agricultural Policy scheme design. During 2017 she worked for FUW as a Marketing Manager, and has sat on the FUW Caernarfon Executive Committee as a member.

Teleri studied Geography at Aberystwyth University, and also has a CIM Professional Diploma in Marketing and a diploma in ‘Diplôme en agriculture écologique’ from farming in the Rhone Alps. She has previously worked in various food, farming and environmental roles for the National Trust on the Llyndy Isaf Scholarship, the Oakland Food Policy Council, Radnorshire Wildlife Trust and Total Food Marketing/Menter a Busnes. In her spare time she farms!

As part of his role within the FUW’s Policy Team, Bernard is responsible for agricultural matters pertaining to issues such as pesticides, vehicles and licensing, waste management, planning, access policy and education and training.

Bernard facilitates the FUW’s Education and Training Committee and represents the Union externally on several forums including the National Access Forum, the Private Land Working Group and the Wales Land Management Forum. He is dedicated to liaising with relevant external bodies to ensure that members receive the best outcome for farming issues.

Prior to working at the FUW, Bernard worked for ADAS on a wide range of research and consultancy projects in the agricultural and environmental sectors.

Bernard has been published in scientific journals on a range of topics such as the Comparative diet selection by cattle and sheep grazing in two contrasting heathland communities and the Impact of Environmentally Sensitive Areas policy.

Elin joined the FUW Policy Department in 2021, having worked as Administration Assistant supporting FUW members in Ceredigion since 2015. Her role within the Policy team includes Antimicrobial Resistance, bovine TB, animal identification and movements. Elin also facilitates the FUW’s Dairy and Milk Produce Committee.

Prior to working with the FUW, Elin worked within the Quality Control team at a whey processing plant and possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology and Zoology from Aberystwyth University.

Having grown up on a smallholding breeding and showing pedigree Texel sheep and now married to a dairy farmer, Elin has her priorities firmly set in supporting and protecting Welsh Family Farms for the next generation.

Libby Davies joined the FUW Policy team in 2021. As the Senedd and Parliamentary Affairs Officer Libby will be liaising with the Senedd and Westminster on behalf of the Union. This will include a responsibility to discuss issues such as Trade Deals, Climate Change and the new Sustainable Farming Scheme.

This is a dual role and Libby will also be joining the Gwent and Glamorgan County staff as the Gwent and Glamorgan Policy Officer to support their stakeholder and political engagement.

Libby graduated from the University of Birmingham with a First Class Honours Degree in Political Science and International Relations and in her spare time is an active member of Sennybridge YFC, currently holding the position of Secretary.

Rebecca joined the FUW policy team in a part time role in 2017 and is responsible for issues relating to RPW Online and its associated schemes including the Basic Payment Scheme.

In this role, Rebecca works closely with colleagues in the county branches to assist them in resolving members’ issues with regards to RPW schemes and the online system. Rebecca also represents the Union at RPW Stakeholder meetings.

In addition to this role, Rebecca still works as the County Executive Officer for the FUW in Pembrokeshire, where she is responsible for the day to day support of members, having joined the Union in this role in 2001.

Rebecca possesses a Bachelor of Economic Science degree in Accounting, Finance & Law, from the University of Aberystwyth. Prior to joining the FUW, Rebecca worked in a consultancy firm providing advice and support to farms that were open to the public.