Policy to the fore at FUW ‘farmhouse breakfast’ event

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has highlighted the need to safeguard the principles of “land, family, and heritage” for Welsh agriculture at its annual breakfast in Cardiff Bay on Wednesday (21 January).

FUW president Ian Rickman described breakfast as a “crucial” start the day, providing the energy and focus needed for what lies ahead – especially in a critical year for agriculture with the Senedd elections in May.

See also: What are industry leaders’ greatest hopes and fears for 2026?

The union’s “Breakfast Week” provided a valuable opportunity for rural communities, stakeholders and politicians to come together over a hearty meal of prime produce.

“It also offers a tiny opportunity to reflect on the past 12 months and to look ahead with purpose for the challenges and changes we face as an industry,” he said.

After almost a decade of discussion, debate and “at times, spirited disagreement”, Mr Rickman stressed that while the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) now moves from design into delivery, lessons had to be learned from the impact assessment.

To ensure land, family and heritage were protected, an increased multi-annual budget and a robust financial framework for Welsh farmers to support the SFS were essential.

‘More for less’ 

Mr Rickman said: “Welsh farmers cannot and should not be expected to do more for less.

“If the scheme is to succeed, it must be underpinned by an increased budget and a robust financial framework, learning from the impact assessments and securing the stability and long-term certainty that farm businesses and the wider supply chains require.”

Mr Rickman added that without the assurance of an increased multi-annual budget, confidence will inevitably be undermined.

“Not only in the delivery of the scheme itself, but in the future of Welsh farm businesses, domestic food production and the wider rural communities that depend upon them,” he said.

A unique scheme

Deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies, however, said he was pleased with the scheme’s current standing and said they have landed it in a place where “we genuinely believe it’s accessible for all farmers”.

This, he said, was done against a backdrop of geopolitical pressures and shocks.

“There’ll always be pressures within the farming environment,” he said, but praised the way collaborative working had become established over the past 18 months.

“We’re really proud to say it is unique of its kind within the UK, we’re going to have to work together to make this work,” said the deputy first minister.

IHT concerns addressed

Mr Irranca-Davies added that he was pleased the UK government had addressed the industry’s inheritance tax concerns and said he had warned them to think carefully about their plans.

“One of the things we said very clear to the UK government was, do not undermine the good work that we’re doing with the SFS.

“We’re trying to build a type of future, a vital, prosperous, bright future for farming where there is stability and sustainability in all of the senses – sustainable businesses, but also good, sustainable food being produced to the very highest standards, environmentally and all of that.

“So I’m pleased to see those adjustments being made there,” he said.