NFU Cymru launches Senedd election manifesto

NFU Cymru has outlined its key asks of political parties in Wales ahead of the Senedd election in May next year.

Launching its Welsh farming: Growing forward manifesto in Cardiff on Tuesday (10 June), the union said those standing in next year’s election must recognise the importance of food production and its wider benefits.

“Welsh agriculture is an industry that delivers growth and benefits not only for those living rurally, but for the whole of Wales,” NFU Cymru president Aled Jones said during the launch.

See also: One year on… how has Welsh farm policy changed?

The manifesto calls for a comprehensive farm-to-fork food strategy, future policy underpinning food production, and commitments to increase the sourcing of Welsh food in the public sector.

It also features a wider series of priorities in areas such as bovine TB, water quality and a ring-fenced multi-year budget for Welsh farming.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Jones reminded politicians that farming affects more than just those who tend the land and animals.

With the revised system of 16 constituencies, each electing six members, Mr Jones said Senedd members across the country would have constituents whose income relied on Wales’ food and farming supply chain.

“Those whose income and spending is reliant on a thriving Welsh agriculture industry do not just reside on Welsh farms, but they live and work in villages, towns and cities across the country,” he said.

“What is beyond doubt is that the overwhelming majority of those constituents will be reliant on Welsh farmers for the food they eat.”