Farmers Union of Wales sets out its wishlist for the next government

Election hopefuls have set out their plans for the future of farming and the environment, but what do industry organisations think the next government should tackle? Here the Farmers Union of Wales sets out what it thinks the priorities should be.

Welsh family farms are central to the livelihoods of thousands and must not be undervalued by politicians, according to the Farmers Union of Wales.
 
FUW president Gareth Vaughan suggested that the family farm had previously been overlooked by politicians.

“Whatever the political issue, whether it is climate change, animal health and welfare, the negotiation of global trade agreements, or any of the other agriculturally-related topics that affect the electorate, the family farm has a central role to play, and those politicians who ignore this do so at our peril,” he said.
 
He also drew attention to the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the influence its reform will have on the long term welfare of UK citizens.
 
“With the world population expected to rise to between nine and 10 billion by 2050, and predicted reductions in global agricultural productivity per hectare, there is clearly a need for appropriate action that balances food production against environmental considerations, and mitigating climate change without compromising food security is one of the most significant long term challenges facing mankind.”

Mr Vaughan accepted devolution had reduced the range of agricultural issues over which MPs have a direct influence over in Wales, but said there are still a number of overarching policies of concern for Welsh rural communities.

“Many of these topics will be the subject of detailed consideration during the next Parliament, and the decisions taken by Westminster that follow will have vital implications for both the agricultural industry and all UK citizens over the coming years.”