FUW welcomes Welsh Government review into bureaucratic burden on family farms
The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) has welcomed the Welsh Government's announcement of an independent review into the bureaucratic burden facing family farms, describing the move as a significant and positive step towards addressing a key industry concern.
The review, which will be led by beef and sheep farmer and former NFU Cymru President John Davies, will examine the cumulative impact of regulation, inspections, data requests and administrative requirements on farming businesses across Wales. Over the next nine months, Mr Davies will engage directly with farmers, land managers and professional agents to understand the practical realities of complying with multiple regulatory and assurance schemes.
The review, announced by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd MS at the Royal Welsh Grassland Event at Cwmbrynich Farm, Brecon, will consider how requirements imposed by a range of organisations and public bodies interact and impact on-farm, including inspections, reporting obligations and information requests. It will assess whether current arrangements are proportionate, identify areas where duplication exists, and explore opportunities to simplify processes while maintaining Wales' high environmental, animal health and food production standards. The review will also seek to identify opportunities for early improvements and practical actions that can reduce burdens on farmers in the short term.
The announcement delivers on one of the Welsh Government's first 100-day commitments and reflects a key policy ask outlined in the FUW's manifesto ahead of the recent Senedd election.
Ahead of the election, the FUW called on the next Welsh Government to commission an independent review of the bureaucratic burden on family farms, with the objective of streamlining on-farm requirements through earned recognition, technology and innovation. The Union highlighted the growing challenge faced by farmers in responding to inspections and data requests from multiple organisations, including the Animal and Plant Health Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Rural Payments Wales and farm assurance bodies.
The FUW also called for the establishment of a Charter of Understanding between the farming industry and public body inspectorates to help ensure inspections are coordinated, proportionate and conducted in a way that supports rather than hinders farm businesses.
Responding to the Welsh Government’s announcement, FUW President Ian Rickman said:
“Family farms across Wales continue to face growing regulatory requirements, inspections and administrative burdens while carrying out their day-to-day work.
In our 2026 election manifesto, the FUW called for an independent review of the bureaucratic pressures placed on family farms in Wales, with the overarching aim of streamlining on-farm requirements through earned recognition, technology and innovation.
We therefore welcome this early announcement and look forward to engaging constructively with this review to identify practical solutions that reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and allow farmers to focus on what they do best."
Mr Rickman also congratulated John Davies on his appointment to lead the review.
"John brings a wealth of experience, credibility and practical understanding of the challenges facing Welsh farmers.
His expertise and knowledge of the sector will be invaluable in ensuring the review focuses on practical, workable solutions that make a genuine difference on the ground. It is vital that farmers' voices remain at the heart of this process, and we are confident John will ensure those experiences are properly heard and reflected in the review's recommendations."
