FUW outlines farming priorities at Welsh Liberal Democrats Conference

Earlier this month, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) attended the Welsh Liberal Democrats’ Autumn Conference in Wrexham to highlight the Union’s key policy priorities in the lead-up to the 2026 Senedd elections and to gain a deeper understanding of the party’s stance on food and farming in Wales.

FUW representatives held constructive discussions with Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd Members, candidates, and party staff, focusing particularly on the development of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) and the urgent need for fair and sustainable funding for agriculture within the Welsh Government’s budget.

During the conference, the FUW also shared its key manifesto proposals for the next Senedd and Welsh Government. Central to these is a continued commitment to working collaboratively on a fair, practical, and future-proof Sustainable Farming Scheme that works for Welsh farmers and rural communities.

The manifesto further calls for a stronger, more resilient Welsh food system. This includes greater support for domestic food production, local processing facilities, and public procurement policies that prioritise Welsh produce. The Union is advocating for policy commitments that back shorter, more robust supply chains, long-term investment in small and medium-sized abattoirs, and the introduction of legislative tools to safeguard national food security.

FUW officials also met with David Chadwick MP, Member of Parliament for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, sharing concerns about the proposed UK Government reforms to Inheritance Tax and the implications of the current funding settlement between the UK and Welsh governments. Particular concern was raised about the future ‘Barnettisation’ of Welsh agricultural funding, which the FUW believes would significantly disadvantage Welsh farmers.

Speaking after the conference, Tim Faire, Chair of the FUW’s Land Use and Parliamentary Committee, said:

“Engaging with political parties ahead of the 2026 Senedd elections is essential to ensure that the voice of Welsh farming is heard loud and clear. 

“We therefore welcomed the opportunity to engage with the Welsh Liberal Democrats and outline our key manifesto priorities. Fair funding for agriculture, safeguarding our national food security, and strengthening local supply chains must be at the heart of future policy if we are to deliver a sustainable and prosperous future for Welsh farming.”

The FUW’s 2026 Senedd manifesto can be read in full here.