Latest news with #Farmers'UnionofWales
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
MPs to quiz farming bodies on Brexit impact and trade deals
On Wednesday, June 5, the Welsh Affairs Committee will hold its first evidence session for the inquiry, "Farming in Wales in 2025: Challenges and Opportunities." The session will take place at 2.30pm in Committee Room 6 at the Palace of Westminster. The committee, chaired by Ruth Jones, MP for Newport West and Islwyn, will hear from three of Wales's largest farming representative bodies: National Farmers' Union Cymru, Farmers' Union of Wales, and Wales Young Farmers Clubs. According to the committee's agenda, the MPs will delve into the performance of the Welsh agricultural export market since the UK's departure from the EU. The recently announced UK-EU deal, including the veterinary agreement and its implications for Welsh farmers, will also be on the agenda. Further scrutiny will be given to the trade agreements the UK has inked with Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, to assess their effects on Welsh exporters. The committee may discuss with witnesses the potential impact of the UK Government's proposed inheritance tax reforms on the sector, and what measures should be implemented to protect the future of Welsh farmers. Other points of discussion are expected to include the "Barnettisation" of agricultural funding in the chancellor's autumn budget, as well as concerns about Welsh farmers' access to skilled and seasonal labour. The session will be available to watch live on starting at 2.30pm, with Aled Jones, Gareth Parry, and Dominic Hampson-Smith providing evidence.
Rhyl Journal
24-05-2025
- General
- Rhyl Journal
FUW highlights wildlife and environmental resilience success
Since 2016 we've seen Brexit, Covid-19 and a steady stream of UK Prime Ministers come and go. Meanwhile, farmers have been quietly getting on with creating, restoring and managing habitats, often on the same land that feeds us all. With this Thursday marking the International Day for Biological Diversity, it provides an opportunity to celebrate these efforts that have delivered impressive results for local wildlife and environmental resilience. For example, diverse hedgerows which flower and fruit are a priority habitat for 12 of the UK's most threatened bird species, and restored or managed ponds and scrapes can lead to a 25-times increase in emergent insect biomass, supporting even more biodiversity than rivers and lakes. The extent, and success of this work was recently highlighted by the Farmers' Union of Wales following some data analysis from Welsh Government figures. Between 2016 and 2023, an average of 388,460 hectares was managed under agri-environmental contracts - around 21% of Welsh farmland. As part of this work, farmers planted, restored or laid 1,716,529 metres of hedgerows, created 72,134m² of new ponds, and created or maintained 1,218.51 hectares of streamside corridor/riparian woodland, alongside creating orchards, hay meadows and winter bird seed sources. All of these combine to create cover, food and connectivity for insects, birds, and small mammals as well as contributing to cleaner, slower flowing water, clean air, and carbon sequestration alongside food production. As the FUW gathered these figures, the Welsh Government released its Wales National Trends and Glastir Evaluation report for 2010-2021 (ERAMMP Report 105). Some of these efforts made by farmers through Glastir agreements can be seen within national trends. For example, the management of unharvested/unsprayed cereals or winter stubble providing seed, insects and shelter has led to a 24% increase in granivorous bird species. Riparian or streamside woodland corridors provide a multitude of benefits, and the report shows that 80% of headwaters remain in good ecological condition, with a halt in decline of plant species richness in broadleaved woodland. However, the report also makes for sobering reading, with generally negative and some 'stable' impacts for Wales' environment and wildlife as a whole. Farmers have been following the prescriptions provided to them by the Welsh Government through its editions of agri-environment schemes for decades, so we must ensure that future schemes offer practical options that work for both farming businesses and biodiversity in Wales. It is an FUW priority to ensure future support, largely through the Sustainable Farming Scheme, works for all farming businesses.
North Wales Chronicle
23-05-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
FUW highlights wildlife and environmental resilience success
Since 2016 we've seen Brexit, Covid-19 and a steady stream of UK Prime Ministers come and go. Meanwhile, farmers have been quietly getting on with creating, restoring and managing habitats, often on the same land that feeds us all. With this Thursday marking the International Day for Biological Diversity, it provides an opportunity to celebrate these efforts that have delivered impressive results for local wildlife and environmental resilience. For example, diverse hedgerows which flower and fruit are a priority habitat for 12 of the UK's most threatened bird species, and restored or managed ponds and scrapes can lead to a 25-times increase in emergent insect biomass, supporting even more biodiversity than rivers and lakes. The extent, and success of this work was recently highlighted by the Farmers' Union of Wales following some data analysis from Welsh Government figures. Between 2016 and 2023, an average of 388,460 hectares was managed under agri-environmental contracts - around 21% of Welsh farmland. As part of this work, farmers planted, restored or laid 1,716,529 metres of hedgerows, created 72,134m² of new ponds, and created or maintained 1,218.51 hectares of streamside corridor/riparian woodland, alongside creating orchards, hay meadows and winter bird seed sources. All of these combine to create cover, food and connectivity for insects, birds, and small mammals as well as contributing to cleaner, slower flowing water, clean air, and carbon sequestration alongside food production. As the FUW gathered these figures, the Welsh Government released its Wales National Trends and Glastir Evaluation report for 2010-2021 (ERAMMP Report 105). Some of these efforts made by farmers through Glastir agreements can be seen within national trends. For example, the management of unharvested/unsprayed cereals or winter stubble providing seed, insects and shelter has led to a 24% increase in granivorous bird species. Riparian or streamside woodland corridors provide a multitude of benefits, and the report shows that 80% of headwaters remain in good ecological condition, with a halt in decline of plant species richness in broadleaved woodland. However, the report also makes for sobering reading, with generally negative and some 'stable' impacts for Wales' environment and wildlife as a whole. Farmers have been following the prescriptions provided to them by the Welsh Government through its editions of agri-environment schemes for decades, so we must ensure that future schemes offer practical options that work for both farming businesses and biodiversity in Wales. It is an FUW priority to ensure future support, largely through the Sustainable Farming Scheme, works for all farming businesses.
Leader Live
23-05-2025
- General
- Leader Live
FUW highlights wildlife and environmental resilience success
Since 2016 we've seen Brexit, Covid-19 and a steady stream of UK Prime Ministers come and go. Meanwhile, farmers have been quietly getting on with creating, restoring and managing habitats, often on the same land that feeds us all. With this Thursday marking the International Day for Biological Diversity, it provides an opportunity to celebrate these efforts that have delivered impressive results for local wildlife and environmental resilience. For example, diverse hedgerows which flower and fruit are a priority habitat for 12 of the UK's most threatened bird species, and restored or managed ponds and scrapes can lead to a 25-times increase in emergent insect biomass, supporting even more biodiversity than rivers and lakes. The extent, and success of this work was recently highlighted by the Farmers' Union of Wales following some data analysis from Welsh Government figures. Between 2016 and 2023, an average of 388,460 hectares was managed under agri-environmental contracts - around 21% of Welsh farmland. As part of this work, farmers planted, restored or laid 1,716,529 metres of hedgerows, created 72,134m² of new ponds, and created or maintained 1,218.51 hectares of streamside corridor/riparian woodland, alongside creating orchards, hay meadows and winter bird seed sources. All of these combine to create cover, food and connectivity for insects, birds, and small mammals as well as contributing to cleaner, slower flowing water, clean air, and carbon sequestration alongside food production. As the FUW gathered these figures, the Welsh Government released its Wales National Trends and Glastir Evaluation report for 2010-2021 (ERAMMP Report 105). Some of these efforts made by farmers through Glastir agreements can be seen within national trends. For example, the management of unharvested/unsprayed cereals or winter stubble providing seed, insects and shelter has led to a 24% increase in granivorous bird species. Riparian or streamside woodland corridors provide a multitude of benefits, and the report shows that 80% of headwaters remain in good ecological condition, with a halt in decline of plant species richness in broadleaved woodland. However, the report also makes for sobering reading, with generally negative and some 'stable' impacts for Wales' environment and wildlife as a whole. Farmers have been following the prescriptions provided to them by the Welsh Government through its editions of agri-environment schemes for decades, so we must ensure that future schemes offer practical options that work for both farming businesses and biodiversity in Wales. It is an FUW priority to ensure future support, largely through the Sustainable Farming Scheme, works for all farming businesses.
South Wales Guardian
03-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Diwrnod Sir Gâr' celebrates Carmarthenshire at Westminster
The event, called Diwrnod Sir Gâr, took place on April 30 and highlighted the county's producers, people, and traditions. It was held in Westminster Hall and organised with the Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW). The event aimed to showcase the strength and economic contribution of rural Wales. It was attended by parliamentarians, peers, and 35 FUW members from Carmarthenshire. Ms Davies, MP for Caerfyrddin and Carmarthenshire county chair of the FUW, said: "Carmarthenshire is a county built on hard work, innovation and community. "It was a huge privilege to bring our producers to Westminster and to showcase what makes our part of Wales so special. "This event was about more than products – it was about giving rural voices the platform they deserve and reminding Westminster of the value that regions like ours both economically and culturally." The event featured nine producers from the region, including Bremenda Isaf, Tregroes Waffles, Brecon Carreg, Castell Howell, Coaltown Coffee, Mêl Gwenyn Gruffydd, Caws Cenarth, Carmarthen Ham, and The Welsh Wool Shop. They had the opportunity to engage with MPs, Lords, and guests, providing insight into the diversity and quality of Carmarthenshire's food, drink, and craft sectors. The event was officially opened by Dame Nia Griffith, MP for Llanelli, whose constituency includes part of Carmarthenshire. Ian Rickman, president of the Farmers' Union of Wales, said: "2025 marks an important year for the Farmers' Union of Wales, as we celebrate 70 years since the union was founded in Carmarthenshire. "Working alongside Ann Davies MP, we were delighted to support this successful event, bringing a taste of West Wales to the heart of Westminster." Throughout the day, parliamentarians visited the exhibition, speaking with producers, learning about their work, and understanding the challenges they face. Reflecting on the event's success, Ms Davies said: "Diwrnod Sir Gâr showed exactly why Carmarthenshire deserves to be on the map – for its quality, its people and its potential. "I will continue to champion our county in Parliament and ensure that rural Wales is not only seen but heard."
