The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has raised concerns following the implementation of new telecommunications rules which could see farm businesses suffer rental income cuts of up to 90% for hosting mobile phone masts.
The changes, which extend valuation reforms to thousands of existing agreements across the UK, will affect around 15,000 sites from April 2026. Under the revised framework, rents are calculated using a “no-scheme” basis that disregards the commercial value of land for telecoms use, resulting in significant reductions in payments to landowners.
The FUW has warned that, while improving rural connectivity is a shared priority, the current approach risks damaging the very partnerships needed to deliver it. The Union’s concerns are echoed by a coalition including the British Property Federation and APWireless warning that extending the system could worsen tensions between telecoms operators and site providers.
For many Welsh farmers, income from telecoms infrastructure has historically provided an important and stable source of income, helping to offset some volatility in agricultural markets. However, the scale of the reported reductions threatens to remove this vital revenue stream at a time when farm businesses are already under significant financial pressure. The Union is particularly concerned that retrospective changes undermine confidence in contracts and long-term planning.
Commenting, FUW Land Use & Climate Change Committee Chair, Tim Faire said: “Farmers are keen to support the rollout of vital digital infrastructure, but these reforms risk punishing landowners who have long enabled mobile connectivity. Fair compensation and stable agreements are essential if landowners are to be encouraged to engage with these initiatives and rural Wales is to benefit from improved coverage.”
The FUW has also warned that the reforms could prove counterproductive. A breakdown in trust between landowners and telecom operators, alongside reduced financial incentives, may discourage participation in hosting infrastructure. This could ultimately limit the availability of suitable sites and slow progress toward improving digital connectivity in rural Wales.
The coalition has also highlighted that a key safeguard - a complaints mechanism under Section 70 - has yet to be implemented. Without it, there is currently no clear independent route to resolve disputes or concerns about conduct, and the group is calling for this mechanism to be introduced alongside a review of the framework.
The Farmers’ Union of Wales is calling on the UK Government to review the current regime and work with stakeholders to deliver a fairer system.
Key decisions by the next Senedd and Welsh Government will shape the future of Welsh agriculture - and May’s 2026 election will bring a new way of electing our representatives. FUW’s Senedd and Parliamentary Affairs Officer, George Lewes, explains…
Under the previous voting system in Wales, used to elect Members to the Senedd since 1999, voters were given two votes, and Members of the Senedd (MSs) were elected in two different ways.
The first vote was for a constituency representative, using the traditional “first past the post” system. Voters could choose a single candidate to represent their local area, and the candidate with the most votes would win. Previously, 40 MSs were elected in this way, mirroring the system used to elect Members of Parliament at the UK level.
The second vote was cast for a political party at a regional level. Wales was divided into five regions, and each region elected four MSs using a “closed list” system, where parties put forward ranked lists of candidates. A total of 20 MSs were elected through this method.
This second vote was designed to make election outcomes more proportional, helping to ensure that the overall number of MSs from each political party more closely reflected their share of the total vote across Wales.
In contrast, a purely “first past the post” system often produces results where the number of representatives from each party does not accurately reflect their overall share of the vote.
New voting system
Under the new system, passed into law by the Senedd in 2024, the total number of Members of the Senedd (MSs) will increase from 60 to 96. The old constituencies and regions have now been abolished, after the Senedd was formally dissolved at the start of the election campaign period (traditionally known as 'purdah'). They have been replaced by 16 new, larger constituencies, each formed by combining two of the existing 32 UK Parliament constituencies in Wales.
Each of these new constituencies will elect six MSs using a fully proportional “closed list” voting system, similar to the one previously used to elect regional MSs under the Additional Member System (AMS).
Voters will now cast a single vote, choosing a political party or an independent candidate rather than an individual representative. Seats will then be allocated based on the proportion of votes each party or independent receives within a constituency. In practice, a party will need around 10-11% of the vote to secure a seat, with additional seats awarded as their vote share increases.
Seats are distributed using a calculation called the D’Hondt formula, which ensures that the number of MSs elected for each party closely reflects their share of the vote.
Political parties can nominate up to eight candidates per constituency, ranked in order. If a party wins multiple seats, they are filled by candidates from the top of the list downwards. For example, if a party wins three seats, its top three listed candidates will be elected. Although the full list of candidates will appear on the ballot paper, voters will not be able to select individual candidates - only a party or independent.
The reforms also introduce several other changes. Senedd elections will now take place every four years instead of every five. Candidates standing for election must live in Wales, and voting rights are extended to all individuals aged 16 and over.
Registering to vote
To take part in Senedd elections, individuals must be registered to vote. Registration can be completed online and requires basic personal details such as name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance number. People must register by the official deadline ahead of an election in order to be eligible to vote, whether in person, by post, or by proxy.
The deadline to register to vote for the May election is 11:59 on April 20, 2026. Find out more about how to register to vote on the UK Government website.
FUW Manifesto
Ahead of the election, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has launched its 2026 Senedd manifesto, “Tir - Teulu - Treftadaeth - Standing Strong for Family Farms.” The manifesto outlines the FUW’s key policy priorities and calls on the next Welsh Government to deliver stability, sustainability, and long-term support for Welsh family farms. The full manifesto is available to read online here.
In the run-up to the election, the FUW is actively engaging with candidates from across the political spectrum. This includes hosting farm visits, organising hustings events, and providing briefings to ensure that the challenges and priorities facing Welsh farmers are clearly understood by those seeking election.
As the Senedd election approaches, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) recently met with Plaid Cymru candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin to outline the union’s key priorities for the next Senedd and Welsh Government.
The meeting, hosted by FUW Carmarthenshire Chair Huw James, focused on the pressing challenges and emerging opportunities facing Welsh agriculture and rural communities.
Farming near Llanwinio in Carmarthenshire, Mr James is a third-generation farmer who now runs a beef finishing enterprise, having previously operated a dairy holding. He was joined by FUW President Ian Rickman, FUW Animal Health and Dairy Committee Chair Gerwyn Williams and FUW Life Member Brian Thomas.
During discussions with Plaid Cymru Senedd candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin - Cefin Campbell, Nerys Evans, Adam Price and Mari Arthur - the FUW highlighted the need for the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) to provide stability for Welsh farmers. The union also emphasised the importance of fair and adequate funding for the sector, alongside a proportionate, evidence-led and risk-based approach to water quality regulations.
The meeting also addressed the continued economic and emotional toll bovine TB places on Welsh farming families. As part of its Senedd election manifesto, the FUW is calling for a commitment to develop a scientifically supported, holistic strategy that tackles all sources of infection whilst respecting the need for Welsh family farms to remain economically viable. The Union also stressed the need for sufficient funding to support effective delivery of the programme and ensure fair compensation for affected farmers.
Commenting following the visit, FUW Carmarthenshire Chair, Huw James said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome Cefin, Nerys, Adam and Mari to Tyddyn, and to have the opportunity to discuss first-hand the realities facing family farms here in Carmarthenshire.
“Farmers are dealing with significant uncertainty - from ongoing changes to support schemes to the devastating impact of bovine TB - and it’s vital that future policies provide stability, fairness and a clear long-term vision for our industry.
“Farming is not only central to our food production: it underpins the economic, social and cultural fabric of our rural communities. Supporting the sector means supporting the communities that depend on it, and ensuring they can continue to thrive for generations to come.”
FUW President Ian Rickman added:
“We’re very grateful to the Plaid Cymru candidates for their time, and to Huw and Meryl for hosting this visit - providing a first-hand insight into the changes and challenges facing Welsh farmers.
Between now and May 7th, we look forward to continuing constructive engagement with all parties to ensure our shared priorities are delivered for the benefit of our farmers, rural communities and the wider Welsh economy.”
This year’s Senedd election will see the number of seats increase from 60 to 96, with the new Sir Gaerfyrddin constituency formed from the existing Caerfyrddin and Llanelli Westminster constituencies. The new constituency will elect six Senedd Members via a proportional voting system.
The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has welcomed the publication of the new Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice for Wales, highlighting it as a step towards improving relationships and long-term sustainability within the tenanted farming sector.
The publication of the Code of Practice follows a collaborative process led by the Welsh Government and key stakeholders, including the Farmers’ Union of Wales.
Tenant farmers play a central role in Welsh agriculture, with around one third of the country’s farmland operated through formal and informal tenancy agreements. The sector provides vital opportunities for new entrants who may not have the capital or family connections to purchase land, while also enabling established farm businesses to expand flexibly. At the same time, tenancy arrangements allow landowners to retain income from their land while ensuring it remains actively farmed - supporting rural economies, communities, and the Welsh language.
The report recognises that despite its importance, the tenanted sector can face challenges around communication, transparency, and fairness between landlords and tenants. In response, the Code of Practice sets out a voluntary framework aimed at fostering stronger, more constructive working relationships across the sector.
At its core, the Code is built on three key principles: clarity, communication and mutual respect. It emphasises the need for open dialogue, clearly defined expectations, and a collaborative approach to resolving issues, while recognising that landlords and tenants may have different but legitimate interests.
The report makes a series of recommendations covering all stages of a tenancy. These include ensuring transparency and full disclosure when offering tenancies, encouraging early and constructive discussions on rent reviews and renewals, and promoting regular engagement between landlords and tenants throughout the life of an agreement. It also highlights the importance of agreeing and documenting responsibilities for repairs, improvements, and investment, as well as supporting tenant access to diversification and environmental schemes where appropriate.
In addition, the Code encourages both parties to address disputes in a timely and proportionate manner, making use of mediation and alternative dispute resolution where possible to reduce costs and maintain relationships. Professional advisers are also expected to play a key role in promoting and upholding the principles of the Code.
While the Code does not introduce new legal obligations, it aims to raise standards of behaviour across the industry and move beyond minimum statutory requirements. By promoting fairness, transparency and cooperation, it seeks to secure a more resilient and forward-looking future for Wales’ vital tenanted farming sector.
Commenting following the publication of the report, FUW President, Ian Rickman said: “Tenant farmers play a key role in the fabric of Wales’ family farm structure, our rural communities and our wider economy. However, over the years many tenants have faced challenges in securing fair agreements, long-term stability and the confidence to invest in their businesses.
"The FUW has welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the development of this Code of Practice, and the publication of this framework represents an important step towards fostering fairer, more transparent and constructive relationships between landlords and tenants. It is vital that this helps to underpin confidence within the tenanted sector and ensures that tenant farmers can continue to thrive as an integral part of Welsh agriculture.”
The new Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice for Wales can be read in full here.
FUW Insurance Services Ltd is urging farmers and rural residents across Wales to remain vigilant against fuel theft following a sharp rise in fuel and heating oil prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Recent reports, including from Farmers Weekly, indicate that the cost of red diesel has risen significantly in recent weeks, reaching around 109 pence per litre in mid-March, up from approximately 67 pence per litre in February - an increase of over 60%. Heating oil prices have also seen dramatic increases, in many cases more than doubling from around 60 pence per litre to around £1.30 per litre.
These rising costs are having a significant impact on rural communities, where reliance on oil remains high. In areas such as Powys, around 55% of homes are not connected to the gas grid, while in Ceredigion this figure rises to 74%, leaving households and farms reliant on heating oil, and particularly exposed to price fluctuations.
The increase in fuel prices also raises concerns around rural crime. Historically, spikes in fuel costs have been linked to a rise in theft, with farms often targeted due to the presence of fuel tanks and machinery. Such incidents not only result in financial loss but can also lead to environmental damage and pollution if tanks are tampered with or fuel is spilled.
Farmers are being encouraged to take practical steps to protect their property and assets. These include regularly monitoring fuel levels, securing tanks and pumps with appropriate locks and security measures, and installing CCTV where possible. Remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activity can also play a crucial role in preventing theft.
The warning extends beyond farms to other rural buildings such as churches and chapels, village halls and community facilities, which are often reliant on heating oil and may be left unattended for periods of time.
Dafydd Peredur Jones, Senior Account Executive for FUW Insurance Services Ltd said: “Rising fuel prices are placing additional pressure on rural communities, but they also increase the risk of theft. We are urging farmers and rural residents to take proactive steps to protect their fuel supplies and remain vigilant. Simple preventative measures can make a significant difference.”
FUW Insurance Services Ltd continues to support its customers and the wider rural community during this challenging period and encourages anyone with concerns about their insurance cover or security arrangements to get in touch to discuss further.
FUW Insurance Services is a trading style of FUW Insurance Services Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registration number 615251. Registered Office: Llys Amaeth, Plas Gogerddan, ABERYSTWYTH, SY23 3BT. Registered in England & Wales number 07981993
