The Welsh farming unions and Wales YFC have written to the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs to express concerns around the future direction of Welsh agricultural policy, following the publication of the Agriculture (Wales) White Paper.

In a show of unity, NFU Cymru, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) and Wales YFC have called upon the Minister, Lesley Griffiths MS, to pause and reconsider what a future policy should deliver for the people of Wales. The three organisations have raised concerns that little has changed over three consultation processes and there remains a lack of ambition for the future of farming in Wales. 

The letter states ‘the direction of travel proposed does not appear to reflect the uniqueness of Welsh farming, built around family farms delivering for our economy, our landscape, language and culture.  Instead, and most worryingly, it looks as though we are implementing a policy based on a very narrow definition of public goods, policy thinking very similar to what we have seen emanate from elsewhere, rather than a policy ‘Made in Wales’.’ 

During the month of January staff from the Farmers’ Union of Wales and FUW Insurance Services Ltd. joined teams from five nations to inspire rural communities to take to the countryside to help improve their mental health. 

The challenge, #Run1000, called on people to join either – England, Ireland, Scotland, or Wales and the rest of the world, to see which team could run or walk 1,000 miles first. The winner of the challenge to reach the 1000 milestone was Wales and the FUW Ltd. group team contributed a total of 1,156 miles to the overall 64,785 miles recorded across all teams around the world.

The FUW is pleased to announce a new role – FUW (Farmers’ Union of Wales) Group Managing Director, who will oversee the Union’s work on behalf of the agricultural industry and its successful insurance services, FUWIS (Farmers’ Union of Wales Insurance Services).

Following an appointment process, jointly administered by FUW and FUIWS, Guto Bebb was appointed to the post. Guto Bebb has been the Managing Director of FUWIS since April 2020.

Mr Bebb, who lives in Caernarfon, is the ex-MP for Aberconwy, former Under Secretary of State for Wales, and former Procurement Minister with the Ministry of Defence.  As a result, he is very familiar with the world of public policy.  

Before commencing his political career, Mr Bebb was a business consultant and company director.  His commercial experience stood him in good stead as a member of the Public Accounts Committee at Westminster, and in managing the multi-million procurement budget of the Defence Ministry.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales is urging members to be aware of scams and cold callers, as recent incidents have seen an increase. 

FUW Carmarthen County Executive Officer David Waters said: “We have received a few reports from members recently that they have been targeted by cold callers and scammers, frequently regarding new utility contracts.

“These phone calls and emails, which often end up with the person agreeing to a new contract, are legally binding in many cases and very difficult to get out of. I urge members to remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Mr Waters added that farms are being targeted because often individuals are isolated and are viewed as being vulnerable and therefore more likely to fall foul of fraud. A large proportion of fraud crimes involve criminal gangs targeting specific groups, including the agricultural community.

“Never make any rushed decisions and don’t feel pressured into making a decision on the spot.  If, for example, a telephone caller is genuine they will allow you time to think about things and for you to be able to call them back later or review their offer in writing.

“The people who carry out these scams are convincing, it is what they do for a day job.  But there is assistance out there from Trading Standards and the police. Please remember that it is important to report scams, no matter how small, so that they can be fully investigated and to ensure that support is given to the individuals concerned,” he added.