Montgomeryshire farmers quiz Senedd candidates

Ahead of May’s Senedd election, farmers were given the opportunity to question political representatives from across Wales’ main parties at a hustings event held at Welshpool Livestock Market on February 23.

The event was organised by the Montgomeryshire branches of the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW), NFU Cymru and Montgomery Young Farmers’ Club (YFC).

The hustings provided a platform for representatives of Wales’ six principal political parties to outline their priorities for agriculture and rural communities, as well as respond directly to questions from the audience.

Those in attendance were Aled Davies (Welsh Conservatives), James Evans (Reform UK), Llyr Gruffydd (Plaid Cymru), Sue MacFarlane (Green Party), Ian Parry (Welsh Labour) and Glyn Preston (Welsh Liberal Democrats).

The event was opened by NFU Cymru Montgomeryshire County Chair, Marc Jones, with the discussion chaired by Montgomery YFC Chair, Non Owen, and event closed by Wyn Williams, FUW Montgomeryshire Chair.

Commenting following the hustings Wyn Williams, Chair of FUW Montgomeryshire said:

“We’re very grateful to all candidates for taking their time to support this event. The discussion highlighted just how critical this election will be for the future of Welsh farming. Key issues including the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), the ongoing challenges surrounding bovine TB, and the future of agricultural budgets were central to the debate.

“It was encouraging to hear representatives set out their positions and respond directly to questions from farmers and rural residents. There are strong views across the sector, and events like this ensure those concerns are heard clearly ahead of polling day.”

This year’s Senedd election will see the number of seats increase from 60 to 96, with the new Gwynedd Maldwyn super-constituency formed from the existing Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr and Dwyfor Meirionnydd Westminster constituencies. The new constituency will elect six Senedd Members via a proportional voting system.

Upcoming hustings

Ahead of the Senedd election, a series of agriculture-focused hustings have been organised by the Farmers’ Union of Wales, in many cases alongside NFU Cymru and Wales Young Farmers’ Clubs.

A full list of currently confirmed dates is provided below, with additional events in other counties due to be announced shortly. For further information, please contact your local FUW County Office.