The Farmers’ Union of Wales has announced the Wales Air Ambulance as its next Presidential charity at the Royal Welsh Show (26 July 2023).

Speaking at the President’s reception on the Wednesday night of the show, Union President Ian Rickman said: “We have just seen the might of FUW fundraising and what we can achieve with our President’s charity and I know that all of us will be supportive to the next cause.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales has recognised two individuals for their services to agriculture at the Royal Welsh Show.

Receiving the external award for service to agriculture was Senior Lecturer in Natural Sciences, at Bangor University, Dr Prysor Williams. The FUW’s internal award for services to agriculture was presented to Margaret Shepherd, who served the Union for over 40 years.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales has once again recognised an outstanding journalist with the Bob Davies memorial award.

Through the award the FUW recognises the vital role the media play in highlighting farming and rural affairs issues and bringing the countryside closer to those who may not be directly involved with the industry.

Next steps for the governance of the Welsh bovine TB Programme was at the top of the agenda when Farmers’ Union of Wales staff and officials met with the Minister for Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, today (25 July) at the Royal Welsh Show.

Dr Hazel Wright, FUW Deputy Head of Policy said: “We had a constructive discussion with the Minister regarding industry involvement in future bovine TB control policies in Wales. We reiterated many of the concerns outlined in our response to the last Refreshed TB programme in Wales and we were pleased that the Welsh Government repeated their commitment to partnership working on the future control programme.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales has welcomed positive feedback from Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford over a number of issues raised with him during a meeting at the Royal Welsh Show.

Speaking after the meeting on Monday (24 July), FUW President Ian Rickman said: “A diverse range of issues of concern to the industry were raised with the First Minister. 

Uncertainties faced by the farming industry in Wales and what support is required from Government were top of the agenda, when Farmers’ Union of Wales President Ian Rickman met with Secretary of State David TC Davies in London recently.

A significant scheme that will set out payment mechanisms for the industry in the future, the Sustainable Farming Scheme, offers an opportunity to support the sector if the right financial package is received from Westminster. Discussing the upcoming Sustainable Farming Scheme, Mr Rickman said: “Whilst it is vitally important that the Welsh Government design a scheme that truly works for every farm in Wales, it is also imperative we have the budget to deliver it.