The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has welcomed a report published earlier this week by MPs highlighting the dangers posed by illegal meat imports and urging the UK Government to take immediate action to protect farming, food safety and the wider economy.
The report, published by Westminster’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee, warns of “large and increasing volumes” of illegally imported meat entering the UK through ports, airports and the Channel Tunnel. The report described the situation as “unacceptable”, highlighting the lack of clear data, weak enforcement at the border, and the high risk that such products could introduce devastating animal diseases.
The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has responded to changes to the Ministerial Team at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and called on the UK Government to collaborate closely with Welsh farmers in the face of an increasingly challenging agricultural landscape.
Following Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent reshuffle, Emma Reynolds MP, former Economic Secretary to the Treasury, has been appointed as Secretary of State at DEFRA, while Angela Eagle MP, formerly a Minister at the Home Office, has been appointed Minister of State.
The Carmarthen branch of Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) is seeking nominations for the 2025 FUW - United Counties Agriculture and Hunters Society Award for a person judged to have made the most Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture in Carmarthenshire during the past few years.
The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) is set to host a series of eleven roadshow events across Wales to provide farmers and interested parties with information about the new Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) and the support services available from the Union.
The Sustainable Farming Scheme commences on the 1 January 2026, and marks the most significant change to agricultural policy in Wales in generations. The FUW has subsequently organised a comprehensive series of events across Wales to ensure farmers are fully equipped to navigate the changes and challenges ahead.
Eifion Evans, Pembrokeshire sheep and beef farmer and FUW member, is set to complete a charity sky dive on September 13, 2025, to raise funds for LATCH, the Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity.
12 months ago, Eifion’s 14-year old son, Luc - a keen farmer and avid rugby player - was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Since the diagnosis, the past year has been an emotional rollercoaster for the Evans family, with Luc undergoing treatment at Cardiff Heath and Velindre Cancer Centre.
Now 15, Luc is being seen by the Royal Marsden Hospital in London - making the long journey from Pembrokeshire to London once a month to support him in participation in his clinical trial for a new drug.
Throughout the challenging 12 months, Luc, Eifion and the family have been supported by LATCH, a leading Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity. LATCH was established in 1983 by a group of families and friends who recognised that children diagnosed with cancer or leukaemia and their families not only needed medical support but also practical, emotional and financial support to ease the burden they face.
Inspired by the support his family has received, Eifion has decided to take to the skies; signing-up for LATCH’s first ever charity skydive, taking place on Saturday 13th September at Swansea Airfield. Initially setting a fundraising goal of £500, donations have already soared to over £1,200, with Eifion hoping to raise even more to support LATCH and raise awareness about the vital work.
Commenting ahead of the dive, Eifion said: “The past year has been incredibly challenging for Luc and our family, but the support from LATCH has been a lifeline. They ensure families like ours don’t have to face this journey alone, providing help and care when we need it most.”
This isn’t the first time Luc’s diagnosis has inspired charitable events, with an illuminated tractor run organised by Aberhafsep YFC and Trefeglwys YFC in Montgomeryshire in December 2024 raising over £11,000 for Velindre Cancer Centre.
To support Eifion’s skydive you can donate by going to the JustGiving website.
