The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has again outlined its continued concerns regarding proposals to establish a new National Park in North East Wales, highlighting potential implications for farming businesses, rural communities and public services.

Following extensive engagement with members living and working within and around the proposed boundary, the FUW has submitted its latest consultation response to Natural Resources Wales, outlining a number of key concerns regarding the proposed Glyndŵr National Park.

The FUW retains concerns about the long-term funding and governance of a new National Park Authority. While funding has been proposed through Welsh Government grants and a local authority levy, members remain uncertain that this would provide sufficient stability over time, particularly in the context of ongoing pressures on public finances and the budgets of existing National Park Authorities.

The Union has highlighted the risk that additional financial responsibilities could place further pressure on local authorities and, in turn, on services relied upon by rural communities.

FUW members have expressed continued reservations about the potential impact of National Park designation on planning and development. Experience from existing designated areas suggests that development processes can be more complex and time-consuming, with implications for essential farm infrastructure, diversification and compliance with current regulations.

As farming businesses prepare for the transition to the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), members are keen to ensure that any new designation does not introduce additional barriers or inconsistencies in planning policy.

The Union has also noted concerns that restrictions on on-farm renewable energy developments within some National Parks may limit opportunities to improve farm efficiency and contribute to wider environmental objectives.

Continued concerns have also been raised about the potential impact of National Park designation on local housing markets, particularly in relation to affordability for local families, young farmers and multi-generational farm businesses.

While recognising the economic value tourism can bring, FUW members have highlighted continued concerns regarding pressures on rural infrastructure in designated areas, including parking, road safety, emergency services and rural crime. Members have also expressed concern that without adequate resourcing, increased visitor numbers could exacerbate these pressures and increase costs for farming businesses.

The FUW maintains that many of the environmental and landscape objectives associated with National Park designation could be achieved through partnership approaches and existing policy mechanisms. 

Tim Faire, Chair of the FUW Land Use and Climate Change Committee, said:

“There remain significant unanswered questions about how a new National Park would be funded and managed over the long term, and what the practical implications would be for farming businesses and local communities.

Many rural areas already face pressure on infrastructure and local facilities, which may struggle to cope with the additional demands that a National Park designation could bring. Further regulations and restrictions could also hinder farm development and diversification.

While we fully recognise the importance of protecting our landscapes, we believe the current National Landscape designation already provides a strong foundation. Future land management objectives are likely to be more effectively achieved through local engagement and existing policy mechanisms - without introducing another costly and complex layer of designation.”

The Union is calling on NRW and the Welsh Government to fully assess the potential socio-economic and environmental impacts before any further decisions are made in relation to the proposal.

With great sadness, early December 2025 saw the passing of renowned broadcaster, Sulwyn Thomas.

Over many decades, through his work as a journalist and presenter, Sulwyn became a close and valued friend of the Farmers' Union of Wales. He fronted a wide range of programmes, including Stondin Sulwyn, broadcasts from the Royal Welsh Show, and served as Ffermio presenter between 1997 and 2004.

As the presenter of Stondin Sulwyn on Radio Cymru, he shed light on the many challenges and changes facing rural Wales, giving significant attention to the Foot and Mouth crisis in the early 2000s. Throughout his career, he became a close friend to many Union members and officers, including the FUW stalwart - and fellow Carmarthenshire native - the late Meurig Voyle.

In 2005, the Union honoured him for his outstanding service to the rural communities of Wales, awarding him the Farmers' Union of Wales External Award for his contribution to agriculture. The Carmarthenshire branch also held a special dinner to pay tribute to him on his retirement.

Paying tribute, Brian Walters, Life Member of the Farmers' Union of Wales, said:

“Throughout his career, Sulwyn was a good friend to the Farmers' Union of Wales, just as the Union was to him. Through his programmes and his presenting, he brought the challenges, changes, and characters of farmyard and the bustle of the Showground, into homes across Wales. Our deepest condolences go to his family and friends. We thank him for his support and his wonderful company over the years.”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales has awarded its 2025 FUW Lifetime Achievement Award to Terry Bayliss, recognising his long-standing contribution to the UK sheep sector and farmer-led processing initiatives.

Terry’s involvement in the agricultural industry took a significant step forward in 1998, when he and four fellow farmers established Farmers Ferry in response to poor returns for UK sheep producers. Their aim was to create a more efficient route for exporting lambs directly from farms to continental markets. By its second year, Farmers Ferry was exporting around 1.2 million lambs, quickly becoming a notable development within the sector. Terry has served as Company Director and Chairman for 27 years.

The early success of Farmers Ferry led to the formation of Farmers First, which attracted over 2,750 farmer investors, and later to the creation of Farmers Fresh in 2000, operating from a slaughterhouse in Kenilworth. This expansion provided farmer-controlled access to European markets for lamb carcasses and helped increase competition within the UK marketplace.

In 2018, the company acquired the Fairfield Meat Abattoir in Wrexham, creating Farmers Fresh Wales. Over the years, the business has navigated major sector challenges, including foot-and-mouth disease, Brexit-related uncertainty and the Covid-19 pandemic, while maintaining trade in the EU and developing new markets in the UK, Canada and the Middle East.

Terry’s contribution has been previously recognised, including receipt of the John Gittins Memorial Award in 2021 and the Royal Smithfield Club Bicentenary Trophy in 2019, for both of which the FUW provided nominations.

Presenting Terry Bayliss with the FUW’s Lifetime Achievement Award, FUW President Ian Rickman said:

 “Terry Bayliss has played a significant part in developing farmer-controlled processing and marketing structures over many years. From humble beginnings to becoming a major force in the UK processing sector, the journey he helped shape is remarkable. 

His commitment to supporting producer interests, and his role in strengthening market access for lamb, have made a substantial contribution to the sector and Welsh farmers. The FUW is delighted to recognise his work with this award.”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales celebrated  its 70th anniversary with a special reception held at the Senedd on Tuesday, 2nd December 2025.

The event brought together FUW officials, politicians, farmers, and stakeholders to celebrate and reflect on seven decades of the Union standing strong for family farms across Wales.

The reception was part of a year-long series of events marking the FUW’s seven decades of advocacy for Welsh agriculture.  It followed previous events at the Royal Welsh Show, the National Library of Wales, and county shows across the country.

Attendees had the opportunity to reflect on the Union’s history, its achievements, and the significant changes that have shaped farming in Wales over the past 70 years.

The event was chaired by Ann Beynon OBE, Chair of FUW Insurance Services Ltd, who warmly welcomed attendees and highlighted the Union’s steadfast commitment to protecting the interests of family farms. FUW President Ian Rickman delivered an address reflecting on the political, societal, and agricultural changes of the past seven decades. He also highlighted the fact that the Union has consistently championed the needs of family farms and rural communities throughout our 70 years of existence.

The event was sponsored by Elin Jones MS, Llywydd of the Senedd and Member of the Senedd for Ceredigion. In her address she paid tribute to her uncle, J.B. Evans, a key figure in the establishment of the FUW in Carmarthenshire in 1955, who went on to serve as the Union’s first General Secretary. She also reflected on her relationship with the FUW during her time as Minister for Rural Affairs between 2007 and 2011.

As part of the event, a wide array of historic documents from the Union’s history were on display, giving attendees a unique insight into the FUW’s founding, key milestones, and the evolution of Welsh agriculture over the past 70 years.

Reflecting on the event, FUW President Ian Rickman said:

"For 70 years, the Farmers’ Union of Wales has stood shoulder to shoulder with family farms across the country. From its humble beginnings in 1955, the Union has grown in strength and influence, consistently championing the needs of our family farms and rural communities. 

Today is not only a celebration of our proud history but also a reaffirmation of our commitment to supporting Welsh agriculture and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come."

Ann Beynon OBE, Chair of FUW Insurance Services added:

“We are very grateful to Elin Jones MS for sponsoring this event, and to everyone who joined us in celebrating this milestone.

It is particularly fitting to host the event at the Senedd - not only as a testament to the FUW’s long-standing political lobbying on behalf of family farms, but also as Cardiff itself fittingly marks 70 years as our capital this year.

As Chair of FUW Insurance Services, I am proud to help lead a business that has grown hand in hand with the Union over the decades, supporting farmers, families, and communities through times of change, challenges, and exciting new opportunities for rural Wales.”