At this year’s Royal Welsh Show, Glyn Roberts, former President of the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW), was honoured with the prestigious FUW Internal Award, recognising his tremendous services to Welsh agriculture.

Glyn Roberts was first elected President of the Farmers’ Union of Wales in 2015, before being unanimously re-elected in 2020 and serving until 2023.

Prior to his election as President, Glyn served in countless roles within the Farmers’ Union of Wales, as FUW Caernarfonshire Chairman between 1999 and 2002, and as a member of the FUW’s Finance and Organisation Committee between 2003 and 2004. Following his time as President, he was appointed as a FUW Life Member.

Beyond his tireless work with the FUW, Glyn has also served in many prominent positions nationally and within his local community. He previously served as a non-executive director on the board of Hybu Cig Cymru by Welsh Assembly Government appointment, and in 2019 he was honoured by the Gorsedd of Bards at the National Eisteddfod in Dyffryn Conwy.

A first-generation sheep and beef farmer, Glyn’s agriculture journey began in 1976, completing a full-time course at Glynllifon Agricultural College. He went on to work as a shepherd at Dylasau Uchaf, Padog, before successfully submitting an application in 1977  for the tenancy of a 100-acre upland farm, Ynys Wen, Ysbyty Ifan

In 1983 he secured the tenancy of Dylasau Uchaf, a 350-acre farm owned by the National Trust, where he continues to farm with his wife Eleri. They have raised five children on the farm, with his daughter, Beca, now a partner in the farming business.

Serving as FUW President between 2015 and 2023, his Presidency coincided with several major challenges for the agricultural sector in Wales and the UK. These included the Brexit referendum, and the subsequent negotiations on the UK’s departure from the European Union, and the lengthy discussions on Welsh agricultural framework and funding that followed. His Presidency also coincided with the unprecedented pressures of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Presenting Glyn Roberts with the award at the FUW President Reception at the Royal Welsh Show, his successor, Ian Rickman said: "Glyn Roberts is a tireless champion for the interests of Welsh agriculture, and has shown unwavering commitment towards the Farmers’ Union of Wales all throughout his life.

"As his Deputy President, I was fortunate enough to see first hand his ability and passion in navigating complex challenges; tirelessly working to secure a prosperous future for farmers across Wales. 

"Throughout his Presidency, Glyn faced monumental challenges - from Brexit and the fall-out that followed to the unprecedented uncertainties of the Covid pandemic. However, Glyn’s leadership, good humour and unwavering dedication to Wales’ rural communities shone throughout, securing key wins for Welsh farmers throughout his Presidency. He is undoubtedly a deserving winner of this award. Llongyfarchiadau, Glyn.”

At the Royal Welsh Show on Tuesday, the Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) will launch its latest report, 'A Mandate for Future Farmers'. The comprehensive document highlights the challenges facing young and new entrant farmers in Wales and sets out nearly 40 specific recommendations for the Welsh Government, UK Government, and the wider farming community to ensure a sustainable future for Welsh agriculture.

The report stresses the key importance of attracting and retaining young talent in farming for numerous reasons, including safeguarding food security, sustaining vibrant rural economies and communities, and ensuring the continuity of rural and land-management skills. All vital for ensuring Wales’ land can provide and adapt for future Welsh communities needs in challenging times.

However, the significant barriers preventing young people from entering and thriving in farming are highlighted in the report. Particular emphasis is placed on the ageing workforce, with the median age of the 'key decision maker' farmer in Wales being 61, and only 3% of 'head of holding' farmers under the age of 35.

Prohibitive land prices and access to finance are also identified as key challenges, with low incomes and inconsistent cash flow making it difficult for new and young entrants to secure funding for land purchase, or to prove financial security for rental opportunities and covering start-up costs. The report also cites growing competition for land from natural capital/carbon investors, forestry, lifestyle buyers, charities, other farmers, government bodies, and renewable energy developers.

Limited and insecure tenancies are another significant hurdle. The average length of term on new Farm Business Tenancies (FBTs) remains just over three years, with 80% of all new farm tenancy agreements let for five years or less, hindering long-term investment. The sale of County Council farms has also reduced available land, with the area of council land in Wales falling by 25% (13,000 hectares) in the last decade.

The report also identifies a significant lack of succession planning and/or willingness within the industry as a whole, with a recent report claiming 21% of farmers surveyed stated they did not intend to retire.

The FUW's 'Mandate for Future Farmers' proposes a multi-faceted approach to support the next generation of farmers, with specific asks for the Welsh and UK governments, and wider farming community.

For the Welsh Government, the FUW outlined calls for an option for quarterly Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) payments, prioritising new entrants and young farmers. It also advocates for a loan or guarantor option via the Development Bank of Wales to ease initial financial burdens, alongside higher capital cost contributions and upfront payments for new entrants and young farmers.

The report further advocates for reinstating the Agri Academy Rural Leadership Programme, supporting 'young' networking groups, implementing FUW's policy recommendations on SFS accessibility, Bovine TB eradication, and public procurement of Welsh produce. It also aims to enable joint applications from landlords and tenants within the SFS, encourage new and young entrants to invest in themselves, promote diverse career options in Welsh farming, support agricultural colleges, encourage efficiency savings through new technologies and reduced bureaucracy, and continue promoting Welsh food and drink products.

The document calls on the UK Government to reconsider its controversial changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR), advocating that farming/agricultural assets should not be taxed when passed between farming generations, but rather at the point of sale if a generation decides to sell. It also urges the implementation of recommendations from the 2022 Rock Review (England's Tenancy Working Group) to encourage longer FBTs with rents reflecting productivity and return, not just land value.

The report also encourages existing farmers and landowners to provide tenancies as a key route into land access, offering longer-term and secure agreements, as well as 'trial' years. For Welsh farmers concerned about the next generation, it also suggests considering share farming, offering contract farming opportunities, joint ventures, or mentoring. Proactive succession planning is also identified as vital, utilising facilitators or Farming Connect support for business and legal advice. The Union also calls for helping local new and young farmers by lending machinery or equipment, and leasing livestock, and continuing to support Wales' Young Farmers' Clubs.

Commenting ahead of the launch of the report, Teleri Fielden, FUW Policy Officer said: "The future of Welsh agriculture, and indeed our ability to respond to wider challenges as a nation, hinges on our ability to support and empower the next generation.

"A Mandate for Future Farmers is a clear call to action for governments and the industry. We must remove the barriers, create genuine opportunities, and invest in the talent that will ensure our family farms continue to thrive for decades to come, providing food, managing biodiverse and climate resilient farms, and sustaining our rural communities."

Ian Rickman, FUW President added: "This report is more than just a list of recommendations; it's a blueprint for a resilient and thriving future for Welsh farming, ensuring that the heart of our rural communities continues to beat strong for generations to come."

The report will be launched at the FUW Pavilion at the Royal Welsh Show on Tuesday 22nd July at 11:15. FUW Policy Officer and new entrant, Teleri Fielden, will be presenting the report, joined by three members of the FUW's Younger Voice for Farming Committee who will share their firsthand experiences. Representatives from Wales YFC and Farming Connect will also provide their own insight and support available to new entrants and young farmers. A buffet and drinks reception on the balcony will follow the launch.

Renowned Welsh TV presenter and dedicated farming advocate, Alun Edwards, more widely known as Alun Elidyr, has been presented with the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) Bob Davies Memorial Award at this year’s Royal Welsh Show.

The award, in memory of Farmers Weekly Wales correspondent Bob Davies, is offered to an individual or group that has raised the public profile of Welsh farming.

Alun Elidyr returned to his family farm, Cae Coch in Rhydymain, Meirionnydd, in 1996 following the sudden passing of his father. The decision followed a successful acting career that saw him feature in numerous drama series, including Coleg, Yr Heliwr, Rownd a Rownd, Tipyn o Stad, and Lleifior. 

In January 2005, Alun was tempted back in front of the cameras in a relaunched series of Ffermio, S4C’s weekly farming and countryside magazine series. He has since appeared in hundreds of episodes, focusing on all kinds of changes and challenges facing Welsh farming and rural communities; from bovine TB to Brexit, farm safety, mental health challenges and an array of agricultural shows and events.

As well as Ffermio, Alun has presented S4C’s Royal Welsh coverage for the past decade as the infectious, enthusiastic commentator on the shearing shed competitions.

In 2022 he also gained a following across the UK after an appearance on BBC’s Countryfile series, showing ways his farm had cut light pollution, alongside his passion around his focus on food production and conservation.

Beyond his personal farming endeavors and television work, Alun has been an influential figure within the FUW. He has long been involved in his local branch in Meirionnydd, rising through the ranks to serve as both local and County Chairman. His dedication extended to the national level, where he spent several years on the FUW's former Finance and Organisation committee and as Chairman of the FUW's Education and Training committee. In 2018 he was recognised for his tremendous dedication to the Welsh farming industry with the FUW’s Internal Award for Services to Agriculture. 

Alun has also been a strong advocate for mental health awareness and farm safety. He has previously opened up about his own experiences of suffering with severe depression and panic attacks, and since 2019 has served as an Ambassador for the Wales Farm Safety Partnership, highlighting health and safety challenges on Welsh farms.

Presenting Alun Elidyr with the award at the FUW President Reception during the Royal Welsh Show, FUW President, Ian Rickman said: "Through his work on Ffermio, Alun has masterfully brought the triumphs and tribulations of Welsh agriculture and rural life into living rooms across Wales, and further afield.

"Alun's reputation as a likeable, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic presenter is well-earned. This is undoubtedly bolstered by his own farming experience at Cae Coch and his passionate advocacy for mental health and farm safety - two vital, yet often overlooked, issues within the agricultural sector.

"As Alun celebrates twenty years of presenting this flagship show, there's no more fitting way to mark this incredible milestone than with this well-deserved award."

The Welsh Government has today published the final version of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), which the Farmers’ Union of Wales says marks a generational milestone for Welsh agriculture.

This Scheme will be the primary mechanism through which farm businesses in Wales will be able to apply for farm support from 2026 onwards as the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) is phased out over the coming years.

Building on the revised SFS framework published in November last year, the Scheme is structured around the principle of Universal, Optional and Collaborative layers, providing both a level of universal consistency for all farm businesses and an opportunity to do more if they wish.

Speaking in response to the publication, FUW President Ian Rickman has commented: “Since the initial Brexit and Our Land consultation in 2018, the FUW, its officials and staff have invested a remarkable amount of resources into lobbying, negotiating and challenging the Welsh Government in order to try and secure a workable Scheme for the future of our thriving, sustainable family farms and food production across Wales.

"During the past year alone, we have attended in excess of 60 meetings with the Welsh Government totalling over 300 hours of negotiations. I can assure FUW members and the wider agricultural community that we have left no stone unturned over the past seven years in our ambition to secure a viable post-Brexit farm support framework.

"The Scheme published today represents this prolonged period of negotiation, marking a generational milestone for the future of Welsh agriculture.”

The document sets out the payment rates for 2026 and exactly what farmers will be required to do and the evidence they will be required to provide and/or retain if you choose to enter the Scheme in the future.

“To highlight some of the key successes, we have secured a total budget for the Universal Baseline Payment and BPS taper combined of £238 million, providing workable payment rates and much needed stability for the sector. This includes the provision of universal payments for common land rights holders.

"We have retained and strengthened the application of capped and redistributive payments, a longstanding policy position for the FUW and one that maximises the amount of money going to typical Welsh family farms and rural communities.

"We have also reduced the number of Universal Actions from 17 to 12 with added flexibility and simplification, including exemptions for tenants and the removal of the unworkable 10% tree cover Scheme Rule.

"However, we accept that the Scheme is not perfect. The 10% habitat Scheme Rule will be a concern for many as will the management requirements that will apply on those areas despite these being less prescriptive than previous agri-environment schemes.

"We also appreciate there will be concerns raised around the Scheme-level ambition to plant 17,000 hectares of trees by 2030, the potential year-to-year fluidity of the payment rates and the shorter BPS transition, which will now fall to 60% in 2026 and reduce by 20% per year thereafter. We have been consistent in our calls for the BPS transition to follow five equal reductions starting at 80% in 2026 as was initially proposed by the Welsh Government.

"FUW members can be assured that the Union made its position absolutely clear on these areas throughout the negotiations. I am confident that the Union has done everything in its power to represent you and your businesses throughout this process.

"This Scheme will be different to what we have historically considered as direct farm support or subsidies. I therefore urge all Welsh farmers to consider the Scheme requirements and payment rates in the context of your own businesses.”

Whether farmers decide to enter the SFS at any point in the future, or continue with the tapering BPS and operate without farm support thereafter, the FUW is here to support you and your businesses throughout the transition period and beyond.

"Despite this important milestone, we will continue to represent your voice as FUW members as the technical guidelines are finalised and the Scheme is tweaked in response to feedback from participating farmers. Your continued feedback and practical input will therefore play an essential role for future Scheme development.”