The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has announced the election of Alan Gardner as a Farmer Director to the Union's Board.
Alan has been a prominent member of the FUW for many years and brings a wealth of experience to the Board. He has previously served as Chair of the FUW's Flintshire County Branch, National Livestock, Wool and Marts Committee, as a Vice-President, and completed a previous term as Farmer Director between 2021 and 2024. He currently chairs the Union’s Rural Affairs Committee.
Beyond the Union, Alan has held several influential roles across the industry sector, including positions with Hybu Cig Cymru, the Food Standards Agency, and the Welsh Food Advisory Committee. In 2024, he was appointed to the Welsh Government's Bovine TB Eradication Programme Board and is a Farming Connect Agrisgôp Leader and Mentor.
Originally from Montgomeryshire he grew up on a hill farm in Dolfor near Newtown, Alan went on to serve as County Chair of the Young Farmers Clubs before moving to Flintshire in 1990, where he began share-farming with his young family.
Commenting following his appointment, Alan said: "I am honoured to have been elected as Farmer Director and would like to thank members for placing their trust in me once again.
"The FUW has always played a vital role in representing the interests of Welsh farmers, and I look forward to working diligently with the Board, Union staff and members to ensure that the FUW continues to be heard at every level. Welsh agriculture faces significant challenges, but also opportunities, and I am committed to helping the Union deliver positive outcomes for farming families and rural communities across Wales."
Welcoming Alan back to the board, Farmers’ Union of Wales President, Ian Rickman added: "On behalf of everyone at the FUW, I would like to congratulate Alan on his election as a Farmer Director. His extensive experience across the agricultural sector, combined with his longstanding service to the Union, makes him exceptionally well placed to take on this important role. Alan's knowledge, insight, and passion for Welsh farming will be invaluable as we navigate the opportunities and challenges facing the industry and continue to deliver for our members."
Alan took up his Farmer Director in June 2026, succeeding Breconshire farmer, Darren Williams, who has completed the maximum nine years permitted in the role. FUW President Ian Rickman paid tribute to Darren for his dedicated service to the Union and Welsh agriculture.
"Darren's contribution as a Farmer Director has been immeasurable. His hard work, insight and good humour in the face of challenges have helped to strengthen the Union, delivering real benefit to our members and farming communities across Wales. We extend our sincerest thanks for his commitment and wish him every success for the future."
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."
The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) Montgomeryshire branch has proudly sponsored the Chair for Eisteddfod Powys, which will be held in Bro Ddyfi in July 2026.
The Chair was officially presented by the FUW to Eisteddfod Powys at Cwmllinau Village Hall on Friday, 5 June, alongside the other main prizes that will be awarded during the festival.
Designed and handcrafted by renowned furniture maker and designer Aled Lewis, the Chair reflects both exceptional craftsmanship and a strong connection to the local area. Raised on a family farm in the Dyfi Valley, Aled has earned widespread recognition for his bespoke furniture designs, with his work taking him across the globe.
Crafted from locally sourced oak from the Welshpool area, the Chair carries an additional Montgomeryshire connection, further strengthening its ties to the community and landscape that inspire it.
Commenting, Farmers’ Union of Wales Montgomeryshire Chair, Wyn Williams said: "It is a privilege for the Farmers’ Union of Wales Montgomeryshire branch to sponsor the Chair competition for Eisteddfod Powys 2026. Farming and Welsh culture have always gone hand in hand, and we are delighted to support an event that celebrates our language, heritage and communities.
"We are also extremely grateful to Aled Lewis for designing and crafting such a beautiful Chair. As someone with strong roots in the Dyfi Valley, Aled has created a prize that reflects both the craftsmanship and cultural pride that make this area so special."
This year’s Eisteddfod Powys will be held at Y Tabernacl in Machynlleth on 3 and 4 July, bringing together competitors, performers and visitors from across Wales to celebrate Welsh culture and heritage.
The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) has re-elected Carmarthenshire farmer Ian Rickman as President and Pembrokeshire dairy farmer Dai Miles as Deputy President during the Union's Grand Council meeting held in Aberystwyth on Thursday 11 June.
Mr Rickman, who was first elected President of the Farmers' Union of Wales in 2023, will continue to lead the Union following his re-election by members of the FUW's Grand Council. A long-standing and committed advocate for Welsh agriculture, Mr Rickman has served the Union in a number of key roles over many years.
A past Carmarthenshire County Chairman, he also previously chaired the FUW's Hill Farming and Marginal Land Committee. He was elected as a Vice President of the Union in 2017 before becoming Deputy President in 2019. Throughout his years in office, he has represented members' interests at Welsh Government and stakeholder meetings, farm visits and industry events, while championing the vital contribution of Welsh family farms to rural communities, food production and the wider economy.
Mr Rickman and his wife, Helen, live on a 220-acre upland farm near Llandeilo, where they have raised three sons. Ian operates a sheep and beef enterprise together with young farmer Sean Jeffreys under a partnership farming agreement, rearing Wagyu calves alongside their sheep flock.
Speaking following his re-election, Mr Rickman said: "It is a tremendous honour and a privilege to continue serving as President of the Farmers' Union of Wales. Welsh agriculture faces significant challenges and opportunities, and I remain committed to ensuring the voices of our members are heard clearly at every level of decision-making. I look forward to continuing to work alongside our dedicated officeholders, staff and members to secure a strong future for family farms across Wales."
The Grand Council also re-elected Dai Miles as Deputy President.
Mr Miles is a well-known dairy farmer from Pembrokeshire and one of the four founding directors of Calon Wen, the pioneering organic milk co-operative. The co-operative not only markets members' milk to processors but has also successfully developed its own range of dairy products, now available through major retailers across Wales and the wider UK.
A first generation farmer, Mr Miles took on the tenancy of Barnsley Farm in West Wales with his wife Sharon in 1997. Originally a stock and arable unit, the farm was transformed into an organic dairy enterprise, beginning with 33 cows and leased milk quota. The business has expanded steadily over the years, with additional land acquired in 2001 and 2005. In 2021, his son Llyr joined the business, managing the herd day-to-day.
Today, the family farms more than 300 acres and manages a herd of 140 dairy cows alongside 100 youngstock. Their farming system incorporates grassland management alongside crops including arable silage and forage rape.
Commenting following his re-election, Dai Miles said: "I am honoured to have been re-elected as Deputy President of the Farmers' Union of Wales and would like to thank members for placing their trust in me once again. Farming has given me countless opportunities over the years, and I am proud to be able to give something back by serving the Union and its members.
"The coming years will be crucial for our industry, and I am eager to continue supporting farmers, celebrating the great work they do and helping ensure Welsh agriculture remains innovative, sustainable and successful."
The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has proudly presented a cheque for £1,980 to Prostate Cymru following a successful fundraising dinner held in honour of renowned Welsh businessman and agricultural supporter Brian Jones, Castell Howell.
The special dinner was organised to celebrate Brian Jones receiving the FUW’s Outstanding Contribution to Welsh Agriculture Award, recognising his longstanding contribution to Welsh farming and rural communities.
FUW President Ian Rickman formally presented the cheque to John Daniels and Deryc Rees of Prostate Cymru, with Brian Jones and his wife Helen also in attendance.
The funds raised will support Prostate Cymru’s ongoing work in raising awareness of prostate cancer, improving access to testing and treatment, and supporting men and families affected by the disease across Wales.
Speaking following the presentation, Ian Rickman said: “Prostate cancer is something that affects far too many families and communities across Wales, including within our farming community. We were delighted to be able to raise this money during what was a fantastic evening celebrating Brian Jones and his enormous contribution to Welsh agriculture.
“Too often, men are reluctant to speak about their health or seek advice early enough. By supporting Prostate Cymru, we hope to help raise awareness of the importance of early detection and encourage more conversations around men’s health.”
Prostate cancer is now one of the most common cancers affecting men, with around one in eight men across the UK expected to receive a diagnosis during their lifetime. In Wales alone, more than 2,500 men are diagnosed every year.
Deryc Rees, Chair of the Carmarthenshire branch of Prostate Cymru thanked the FUW and everyone involved in the fundraising efforts.
“We are extremely grateful to the Farmers’ Union of Wales and all those who contributed so generously during the evening.
“Awareness is absolutely critical when it comes to prostate cancer, particularly in rural and agricultural communities where men can sometimes delay seeking help. Support like this allows us to continue our work across Wales, funding awareness campaigns, supporting services and helping improve outcomes for men diagnosed with prostate cancer.”
