FUW welcomes appointment of Llŷr Gruffydd as Cabinet Minister
The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has welcomed the appointment of Llŷr Gruffydd MS as the Welsh Government’s new Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability following the recent Senedd election.
The Union has congratulated Mr Gruffydd on taking up the role at a key moment for the agriculture sector, with Welsh agriculture continuing to face significant economic, agricultural and political changes and challenges alongside significant opportunities for the future.
The FUW said it looks forward to continuing its close and constructive working relationship with Mr Gruffydd, having engaged with him regularly over many years on matters affecting farming families, food production and the wider rural economy.
The Union also paid tribute to the outgoing Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, thanking him for his engagement with the sector and recognising the importance of maintaining strong dialogue between the Welsh Government and the agricultural industry.
FUW President Ian Rickman said: “On behalf of the Farmers’ Union of Wales, I would like to warmly congratulate Llŷr Gruffydd on his appointment as Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability.
“The FUW has worked closely with Llŷr Gruffydd over many years, and we have always appreciated his understanding of the challenges facing Welsh agriculture and the importance of the sector to the social, cultural and economic fabric of Wales.
“Mr Gruffydd takes on the role at a pivotal time for Welsh agriculture and our rural communities, and we look forward to understanding how farming and food production will be prioritised and positioned within this new portfolio, and what that will mean in policy and practical terms for the sector.
“We also look forward to continuing this constructive engagement, and working closely to ensure the delivery of manifesto commitments on key priorities including future farm support, bovine TB, on-farm regulations, and securing a thriving, sustainable future for family farms and food production in Wales.”
New Senedd
The Union added that the coming Senedd term would be particularly significant for Welsh agriculture, as the sector continues to navigate policy changes, market pressures and increasing expectations around climate and environmental delivery.
The FUW stressed the importance of ensuring future agricultural policy strikes the right balance between food production, environmental ambitions and the need to maintain productive, profitable family farms across Wales.
The FUW also used the opportunity to congratulate all newly elected and returning Members of the Senedd following the election, noting the importance of strong cross-party engagement on rural and agricultural matters during the next Senedd term.
During the election campaign, the FUW undertook an extensive programme of engagement activities with candidates standing across Wales. These included farm visits, husting events and policy briefings, providing candidates with an opportunity to hear directly from farmers and FUW representatives about the changes and challenges affecting the sector.
Key issues highlighted by the FUW during the campaign included the future of farm funding, food security, bovine TB eradication, water quality regulations and measures to support the next generation of farmers.
The FUW said it was encouraged by the level of engagement shown by candidates throughout the campaign and welcomed the opportunity to continue those conversations with Members from across the political spectrum in the new Senedd.
FUW Deputy President, Dai Miles said: “The election campaign provided an important opportunity to engage with candidates from all parties and to highlight the priorities and concerns of our members.
“We were pleased by the positive engagement we received throughout Wales and look forward to building on those relationships over the course of the new Senedd term.
“The FUW remains committed to working constructively with the Welsh Government and Members from across the chamber to secure a sustainable and thriving future for Welsh family farms and our rural communities.”
The Union added that collaboration between Government and the farming industry would be essential in addressing the challenges facing the sector while ensuring Welsh farming continues to play a central role in the nation’s economy, culture and environment.
