The Farmers’ Union of Wales has raised concerns regarding the cost and delivery of veterinary services associated with the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) universal requirements.
Writing to the Welsh Government, FUW President Ian Rickman has outlined issues relating to Universal Action 12 (UA12), particularly the Animal Health Improvement Cycle (AHIC), as the Single Application Form (SAF) deadline approaches.
The Union reports that some farmers are encountering high and variable costs for completing AHIC requirements, alongside a lack of clarity around what is expected. In one example, a veterinary practice in south Wales has quoted a fixed fee of £500 plus VAT for completing the AHIC, including associated assessments and documentation.
The FUW has also been made aware that some veterinary practices are currently unable to provide quotes, citing a need for further guidance. This has contributed to uncertainty among farmers as they consider participation in the scheme.
Commenting on the situation, FUW President Ian Rickman said: “Our members need clear and consistent information in order to make informed decisions about entering the scheme. At present, there is some uncertainty around both the requirements and the associated costs, which is causing apprehension within the sector.
"Greater clarity for both farmers and veterinary practices would help ensure the scheme can be implemented in a way that is fair, proportionate and workable on the ground.”
The FUW notes that completion of all Universal Actions is required to access SFS payments, and has emphasised the importance of ensuring that requirements are practical and proportionate.
The Union has asked the Welsh Government to provide further clarification to veterinary practices on the scope and delivery of AHIC requirements, to offer guidance on appropriate pricing approaches, and to provide reassurance for farmers where extortionate costs may be outside of their control.
The FUW has indicated it is keen to continue discussions with Welsh Government officials to help ensure the scheme is implemented in a way that is workable for all farming businesses.
The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) is strengthening its local presence across Pembrokeshire and west Wales with the appointments of Elizabeth King and Bethan Morgan, reinforcing its ongoing investment in frontline support for farmers during a period of significant change for the industry.
Elizabeth King joins the FUW in the newly created role of Regional Lead, working across west Wales to oversee and support the Union’s member services. She brings vast experience from previous roles in agricultural policy and advisory services, including working for a national rural charity and advising on farm diversification projects.
Bethan Morgan joins the Pembrokeshire office as a Member Services Co-ordinator supporting the delivery of day-to-day services to FUW members locally. Born and raised in Pembrokeshire, she spent the past 27 years working at a mixed veterinary practice.
They join the experienced team of Rebecca Voyle, Member Services Manager for Pembrokeshire, and Susan James, Member Services Co-ordinator, forming a strengthened FUW presence in the County focused on providing practical, on-the-ground support to farmers.
Commenting on the appointments, FUW Group Chief Executive Guto Bebb said: “As a Union, we are committed to investing in our people and strengthening the services we provide to members. These appointments reflect our determination to ensure farmers have access to the local knowledge, expertise and support they need.
"Working alongside Rebecca and Susan, I have no doubt that Elizabeth and Bethan will be excellent additions to the Pembrokeshire team, helping to support members and rural communities as farmers navigate the biggest changes to farm support in generations.”
With the Single Application Form window open until 15 May 2026, FUW Pembrokeshire continues to support farmers as they consider their options between the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) and a tapered Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).
For more information, contact the Pembrokeshire office at
As the Senedd election approaches on May 7, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) continues to engage with political parties across the spectrum, outlining its key policy priorities for the farming sector and rural communities ahead of the next Senedd and Welsh Government term.
As part of this engagement, FUW Ceredigion Chair Emyr Evans welcomed Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz, Welsh Conservative lead candidates for the new Ceredigion Penfro constituency.
During a visit to his dairy farm in Talsarn, Ceredigion, Emyr Evans and his family highlighted a range of challenges facing Welsh agriculture. These included the significant drop in dairy prices in recent months, as well as the impact of the recent conflict in the Middle East on farm finances, particularly through rising fuel and fertiliser costs.
Key to the discussions were the prolonged impact of bovine TB on Welsh agriculture, with representatives from the FUW outlining their key manifesto calls to implement a scientifically supported and holistic approach to Bovine TB Eradication in Wales.
Bovine TB in Wales continues to devastate the wellbeing and economic viability of family farms in Wales, with over 89,000 cattle slaughtered as a result of a Bovine TB positive test over the last 10 years.
As part of their manifesto, the FUW is calling for a comprehensive review of the current Bovine TB Eradication Programme to identify why progress towards eradication has been limited and to ensure effective corrective action is taken. They advocate for a scientifically robust, sustainable, and holistic long-term strategy for Wales, developed through the Programme Board and Technical Advisory Group.
The manifesto also stresses the need for adequate and sustained funding to ensure fair compensation for culled animals and to support the efficient and coordinated delivery of the eradication programme across all stakeholders.
The meeting also provided the opportunity to outline the need for continued collaboration to deliver a fair and fit-for-purpose Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), and the need to strengthen Wales’ food system, highlighting the importance of production, processing, and public procurement.
Commenting following the visit, FUW Ceredigion Chair, Emyr Evans said:
“We were very pleased to welcome Paul and Sam to the farm and to have the opportunity to discuss the real challenges facing Welsh farmers at this time. From the pressures on dairy prices to rising input costs and the ongoing impact of bovine TB, it is clear that rural communities are under significant strain. We are grateful to them for taking the time to listen and engage constructively with these issues on the ground.”
FUW Deputy President, Dai Miles added:
“As we approach the Senedd election, it is vital that the voices of rural Wales are heard clearly and reflected in future policy decisions. The choices made in the next term of government will be crucial for the future of Welsh agriculture, food production, and our rural communities, and we look forward to continuing these important conversations with all parties ahead of and beyond polling day.”
Ahead of the May Senedd election, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) is continuing to host representatives from across political parties on farms throughout Wales. These visits are aimed at highlighting the Union’s key policy priorities for the farming sector and rural communities ahead of the next Senedd and Welsh Government term.
As part of this ongoing engagement, FUW President Ian Rickman, alongside FUW representatives, recently met with Reform UK candidates in Pentrefoelas, Conwy, to discuss key issues affecting farming and rural communities.
Candidates present included Richard John Jones and Thomas John Clark (Bangor Conwy Môn), Adrian Mason (Clwyd), Nigel Williams, Paul Ashton and Cristiana Emsley (Flint Wrecsam) and Andrew Griffin (Gwynedd Maldwyn).
The FUW reiterated its manifesto calls for the next Welsh Government to provide adequate funding, maintain close collaboration with the farming industry, and deliver a medium-term financial framework that gives certainty to Welsh farming businesses.
Union officials also outlined their manifesto aims, calling for strong foundations for rural communities and for the Welsh language to be placed at the heart of future policy making. The Union representatives emphasised the importance of recognising the close relationship between Welsh farming and rural life, and the need for joined-up decision-making across areas such as housing, digital connectivity, education, and rural crime.
The FUW is calling on the next Welsh Government to support the findings of the Commission for Welsh-speaking Communities by ensuring the Welsh language and the principle of the family farm are central to agricultural and environmental policy. It also urges action to address gaps in rural broadband provision to prevent businesses from being disadvantaged by a shift to online-only services, alongside stronger commitments to tackling rural crime through existing coordination structures and strategies.
The FUW also outlined further key manifesto asks including: tackling farm bureaucracy and red tape; new measures to support young and new entrants into farming, a holistic, science-led approach to bovine TB eradication that addresses wildlife as well as cattle; and a risk-based review of water quality regulations to ensure policies are proportionate, affordable and effective.
Commenting following the visit, FUW President Ian Rickman said: “Farmers in Wales are operating in an increasingly uncertain environment, and the decisions made in the next Senedd term will be critical to the future of our industry, our rural communities, and the Welsh language. This election is a key opportunity to ensure Welsh agriculture is supported with long-term stability, fair funding, and policies that reflect the realities of farming on the ground.
“We’re grateful to the Reform UK candidates for meeting with us ahead of polling day, and we look forward to continuing to engage with all political parties in the run-up to the Senedd election to ensure the voices and priorities of Welsh farmers are heard across the political spectrum.”
The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) is strengthening its local presence in Meirionnydd with the appointment of Ffion Prysor Jones and Llio Roberts, underlining their continued investment in frontline support for farmers across Wales at a time of significant change for the industry.
Ffion Prysor Jones, from Trawsfynydd, joins the FUW Meirionnydd team as Member Services Coordinator. A familiar face in the FUW Dolgellau office, she brings valuable experience from her four years working from Dolgellau with FUW Insurance Services.
Meanwhile, Rhydymain’s Llio Roberts takes up the role of Technical Advisor (North Wales), adding further capacity and expertise to the union’s advisory services. With a firm farming background, Llio’s appointment strengthens the FUW’s ability to support members through an evolving policy and farm support landscape.
Both Ffion and Llio join Heledd Teleri Williams, Member Services Manager for Meirionnydd, as part of a growing team dedicated to delivering practical, on-the-ground support for farmers.
Commenting on the appointments, FUW Group Chief Executive Guto Bebb said: “As a Union, we are committed to investing in our people and strengthening the services we provide to members. These appointments reflect our determination to ensure farmers have access to the local knowledge, expertise and support they need.
"Working alongside Heledd, I have no doubt that Ffion and Llio will be excellent additions to the Dolgellau office, helping to support members and rural communities as farmers navigate the biggest changes in farm support in generations.”
With the Single Application Form window open until 15 May 2026, FUW Meirionnydd continues to support farmers as they consider their options between the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) and a tapered Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).
To learn more about how FUW Meirionnydd staff can help, contact the office at
