The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has welcomed a new three-year Wales Rural Crime Strategy following its launch in Cardiff today by the Welsh Government.

The Wales Rural Crime Strategy (2025-2028) has been launched to enhance protection for rural communities and wildlife across Wales.

Announced at the Wales Wildlife & Rural Crime Conference, attended by nearly 100 delegates, the strategy continues the collaboration between Welsh police forces and the Welsh Government following the previous launch of the initial strategy in 2023.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies highlighted the national and international significance of rural crime, including its links to organised crime, and emphasised the crucial role of multi-partner collaboration.

The new strategy outlines six priority areas: Bird Crime, Farm Crime, Habitats, Heritage Crime, Mammals and European Protected Species, and Networking Rural Support Services - the latter uniquely addressing mental health vulnerabilities in rural communities.

The Welsh Government also committed to funding the Wales Wildlife and Rural Crime Coordinator position for a further three years, recognising the pivotal role this position plays in coordinating efforts across the country.

Additionally, Gwent Police announced plans to expand its rural crime team, strengthening enforcement capabilities and providing enhanced support to farming communities and wildlife protection across the region.

Commenting following the launch of the Wales Rural Crime Strategy, FUW Policy Officer, Gemma Haines said:

“Rural crime continues to inflict significant emotional and economic damage on Welsh farmers.

The FUW therefore welcomes the new Rural Crime Strategy, particularly the commitment that Farm Crime will be a priority area of focus over the next three years.

Our members have long advocated for an increased emphasis and resources from Welsh police forces to combat these issues, and we are hopeful that this strategy will serve as a vital catalyst for action.

"The expansion of the Gwent Police Rural Crime team is a particularly encouraging development, and we continue to urge Welsh Police forces to ensure adequate resources and support mechanisms are dedicated to tackling crime in our rural communities.

We also welcome the Welsh Government’s commitment to funding the Wales Wildlife & Rural Crime Coordinator position for a further three years, and look forward to continuing our close collaboration to address the scourge of rural crime."

More details about the launch of the Rural Crime Strategy can be found on the Welsh Government’s website.

The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) is set to mark a significant milestone at the 2025 Royal Welsh Show, opening its pavilion doors to celebrate 70 years since its establishment.

As the flagship agricultural event opens its gates in Llanelwedd from July 21st to the 24th, the FUW will reflect on its proud history of championing Welsh family farms while firmly setting its sights on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Welsh agriculture.

Foundation

Established in 1955, the FUW was born from a belief that the distinct interests of Welsh farmers required an independent and dedicated voice. For seven decades, the Union has since stood as a steadfast advocate, securing formal government recognition in 1978 and consistently working to ensure the economic viability and sustainability of family farms across Wales.

Today, the FUW's founding principles of thriving, sustainable family farms continue at the heart of the Union’s work, as we represent and support thousands of members across Wales.

As part of the celebrations, a special panel discussion will be held at the FUW pavilion on Wednesday 23 July 2025 at 11:00. Chaired by renowned broadcaster Dei Tomos, the panel will bring together a range of familiar faces to reflect on seven decades of the FUW. The event will discuss the changes and challenges over the years, and address the evolving landscape facing the future of Welsh agriculture.

Tickets will also be on sale for the FUW’s special birthday raffle, with a chance to win a Honda TRX420 FE1 (Electric Shift) ATV and safety helmet worth in excess of £10,000.  Tickets are available for the bargain price of £5 each and will be on sale at the FUW pavilion throughout the week, and can also be purchased online. Profits for the raffle will go towards the Wales Air Ambulance.

Future 

As well as an opportunity to reflect on the Union’s history, the Show also offers a crucial opportunity to look forward, with a particular focus on future farm funding frameworks, and what work can be done to incentivise and support the next generation of farmers.

With the industry waiting in anticipation for the final Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), a question and answer session at the FUW pavilion on Monday morning at 11:00 will provide an opportunity to hear the FUW's reaction and our efforts to improve the Scheme design over recent months. Chaired by Farmers Weekly reporter, Anne Dunn, FUW Head of Policy, Gareth Parry, will be joined by Welsh Government’s Mark Alexander, providing an opportunity for members and the public to ask questions on the Scheme design and expectations.

Wednesday morning will also provide insight on future farm funding, with the FUW hosting a discussion focused on the Welsh Government’s new Ffermio Bro agri-environment scheme, with a discussion on how it can support farmers and nature in National Parks and Designated Landscapes in Wales. Representatives from the FUW, Ffermio Bro team and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park will be present at the discussion at 9:30am at the FUW pavilion on Wednesday morning. 

Looking towards the future, Tuesday will see the FUW launch their policy report ‘A Mandate for Future Farmers’, outlining the Union’s vision to increase the opportunities for young farmers and new entrants in Wales. The document will outline key asks of both the Welsh and UK governments, as well as the wider farming community, to nurture the next generation of farmers. Held at the FUW pavilion on Tuesday morning at 11:15, the launch will provide an opportunity for an array of young farmers and new entrants to share their own experiences, as well as insight from representatives from Wales’ Young Farmers Clubs and Farming Connect. 

Commenting ahead of the Royal Welsh Show, FUW President Ian Rickman said:

“The Royal Welsh Show is the highlight of Wales’ agricultural calendar. I cannot wait to be in Llanelwedd once again this year, catching up with members, engaging with politicians and stakeholders, and having an opportunity to partake in discussions focusing on the changes and challenges facing Welsh agriculture.

“With the FUW celebrating our 70th birthday, this year’s Show offers a unique opportunity to look both backwards and forwards - commemorating our foundation with events focused on the future of Welsh farming.

"You'll find a warm welcome at the FUW pavilion throughout the week. We're eager to speak with everyone as we celebrate our achievements of standing strong for family farms over the past seven decades, and cast our eyes forward to the next 70 years of Welsh agriculture."

Beyond the exciting events and celebrations, the FUW pavilion will be a hub of activity all week. Members and the public alike can stop by for tea, coffee, and refreshments.

Embracing a family-friendly approach, the FUW is also looking forward to selling milkshakes in the Lle Llaeth, meanwhile a ‘name the cow’ competition, a cow milking competition and a virtual reality ATV experience are sure to provide entertainment for all the family. For those who enjoy live music, the popular Welsh language group Bwncath will be returning to the pavilion for a gig on Tuesday night. Tickets are available online here.

A full timeline of FUW events and discussions throughout the Royal Welsh can be found here.

As the UK marks the first anniversary of Labour's 2024 general election victory on July 4th, the Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) has renewed calls for the government to extend the same flexibility shown on other controversial policies to the vital agricultural sector, specifically regarding drastic changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR).

Over the past year, domestic policy has been dominated by three contentious government measures which have sparked public and backbench unrest - specifically the Winter Fuel Payment, welfare benefit reform, and changes to Agricultural Property Relief.

The initial plan to scrap the universal Winter Fuel Payment caused significant public unrest. However, following considerable pressure, the government performed a substantial U-turn, restoring payments for most pensioners, with the Chancellor clarifying that those with an annual income under £35,000 would remain eligible.

Similarly, proposed changes to welfare benefits, particularly Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), faced a major backbench rebellion. As a result, these reforms were significantly watered down in a vote earlier this week - demonstrating the government's willingness to buckle under public and political pressure.

"The old saying goes, 'things come in threes'," said Ian Rickman, Farmer’s Union of Wales President.

"Having shown they can listen and adapt on both the Winter Fuel Payment and broader welfare benefit reform, the government must now apply that same pragmatic approach and revisit the changes to APR before irreversible damage is inflicted upon a sector vital to Wales and the wider UK."

Drastic changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) were announced in the Autumn Budget 2024 and set to take effect from April 6, 2026. Despite the Prime Minister's earlier insistence that a "vast majority" of Welsh farmers would remain unaffected, previous analysis from the Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) suggests up to 48% of Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) recipients in Wales could be subject to the new inheritance tax proposals. The FUW has argued that if this reform remains unchanged, the consequences for farmers, rural communities, and food production in Wales could be devastating and irreversible.

Since these proposals first emerged, the FUW has consistently urged the government to reconsider the policy. However, despite the industry's dire warnings, growing unease among many government backbenchers, and a recent call from Westminster’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee for a delay, these appeals appear to have fallen on deaf ears, and the April 2026 implementation deadline is now rapidly approaching.

Ian Rickman added:

"As the FUW has consistently argued, the aim is not to scrap the policy entirely, but rather, we seek targeted adjustments that prevent hardworking family farms from being crippled by these changes. Instead of an approach comparable to a sledgehammer cracking a nut, the FUW has sought the opportunity to design a policy with HM Treasury that genuinely works for family businesses and effectively closes the existing loopholes that allow non-farming investors to benefit disproportionately, perhaps through a 'clawback' mechanism on assets sold after inheritance."

“Failure to revisit this ill-thought-out policy risks undermining the very foundations of multi-generational family farms, impacting food security and the rural economy for generations to come.”

This year, the Farmers’ Union of Wales marks its 70th anniversary, a significant milestone celebrated at their Annual Business Conference (ABC), held in Aberystwyth on June 12th and 13th..

Over a hundred staff and senior officials from both the Union and FUW Insurance Services gathered to network, reflect on the past year, and commemorate seven decades since the Union's establishment in 1955.

The conference agenda included a presentation from the Farmers’ Union of Wales Group Chief Executive Guto Bebb reflecting on the business’ growth over the year. A panel discussion, featuring FUW Insurance Services’ Chair, Ann Beynon OBE, and Board Member, Louise Coulton, as well as FUW President Ian Rickman and Farm Director, Gareth Lloyd also delved into the challenges and opportunities facing the business and the broader agriculture sector.

The ABC received strong support from over twenty business partners, with FarmWeb - one of FUW Insurance Services' insurer partners - sponsoring the conference. Meanwhile, MSAmlin sponsored the conference dinner, while Close Brothers Finance sponsored the pre-dinner drinks reception.

Awards

As well as an opportunity to reflect on the year, the ABC also provided an opportunity to recognise and highlight the work of FUW and FUW Insurance Services’ staff throughout the year, with an award presentation sponsored by specialist motor insurer, ERS.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales’ Finance Department was awarded the FUW Best Team Award. The award recognised the staff’s hard work and dedication in effectively managing the FUW’s finances, with the team’s careful and effective work frequently gaining plaudits from external auditors.

Joyce Owens, Administrative Assistant in FUW’s Carmarthen office was awarded the Meurig Voyle Award, which is presented to a staff member who has shown commitment, loyalty, support and enthusiasm towards the union. Joyce has worked for the FUW for over 20 years, working effectively as a key link between the union and its membership in Carmarthenshire. 

It was a double success for Joyce, as the FUW Carmarthen team were also awarded the Owen Slaymaker Award, given annually to the county branch that has best promoted the interests of members and the FUW. As well as serving the membership in Carmarthenshire, the team has also effectively supported members across Glamorgan over recent months. The award was particularly timely this year, as the FUW celebrates 70 years since its establishment in Carmarthenshire. 

FUW Insurance Services’ staff were also presented with awards in a presentation sponsored by specialist motor insurer, ERS.

Senior Account Executive, Sam Evans won the Business Development Award recognising the largest growth of an individual portfolio. Over the past year, Sam has generated a significant amount of growth through the exceptional level of service that he offers current and new customers. Sam dedicated his award to his late friend and colleague, Will Beynon, who passed away earlier this year. 

The Llanrwst-based duo of Sophie Pritchard and Lowri Williams were also recognised for their work, with Sophie winning the Best Managed Portfolio for an Account Executive award, and Lowri Williams winning the Best Managed Portfolio for an Account Handler award. The awards recognised their efforts in managing their portfolio with precision, meeting key performance indicators and being top of the league in every audit.  All of this whilst hitting a level of sales growth that was impressive.

Finally, Lampeter-based Heulwen Thomas won the Account Handler of the year award. Heulwen is an integral part of the Lampeter team, where she is extremely conscientious and works to the highest standards. Heulwen is somewhat of an unsung hero of the company working quietly and calmly in the background so it was fitting that her contribution was acknowledged.

Commenting following a successful conference, Farmers’ Union of Wales President, Ian Rickman, said:

"This year's Annual Business Conference was a truly special occasion, marking 70 years since the inception of the Farmers' Union of Wales. It was a fantastic opportunity to bring together our teams from both the Union and FUW Insurance Services, reflecting on our achievements and looking ahead to the future of agriculture. 

The commitment and hard work of our staff are the backbone of our success, and it was a privilege to acknowledge their exceptional contributions through the awards ceremony. We're immensely proud of all our winners and indeed, every member of our team who continues to drive our growth as a business, and work tirelessly in serving the needs of rural Wales."

FUW Insurance Services Chair, Ann Beynon OBE added:

"The success of our Annual Business Conference would not have been possible without the incredible support of our valued business partners. We are immensely grateful to FarmWeb for their sponsorship of the conference, and to all our other partners that supported the successful two days. Their continued commitment to our event underscores the strong partnerships we've built which allows the business to continue to grow from strength to strength.

The atmosphere throughout the two days was incredibly positive. I found it particularly inspiring to see so many colleagues engaged in meaningful discussions and networking, reflecting the strength and collaborative spirit that drives our collective success."

FUW Insurance Services is a trading style of FUW Insurance Services Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Firm Reference Number (FRN) 615251. Registered firm and address : FUW Insurance Services Limited, Llys Amaeth, Plas Gogerddan, Penrhyncoch, Aberystwyth, Dyfed, SY23 3BT. Registered in England & Wales 07981993.