The Farmers’ Union of Wales has welcomed the recommendations outlined in the Welsh Government’s Quarantine Unit (QU) review following an announcement made earlier today (Monday 10 December) by the Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths.

QUs were introduced in Wales in September 2017 in an attempt to provide industry with an alternative to the six day standstill rule.

Dr Hazel Wright, FUW Senior Policy Officer, said: “At present, the cost and impractical nature of QU rules represent a major obstacle to uptake and the FUW is therefore pleased that the recommendations made by Welsh Government recognised these issues.”

The Welsh Government QU review identified 9 recommendations for improvement, with 7 of these to be given consideration in the New Year.

These include exploring the possibility of amending the 24 hour reporting rule, allowing greater discretion for QU inspectors when considering compliance with requirements and the possibility of a funding stream to aid livestock keepers in meeting the initial costs of QU certification.

The Farmers' Union of Wales has welcomed an extension to funding for Glastir agreements, further investment through the Sustainable Production Grant and the continuation of the Farm Business Grant.

The Farmers’ Union of wales has welcomed the appointment of Mark Drakeford as the new Welsh Labour leader, who will take over as First Minister from Carwyn Jones in the next week.

Following the announcement FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “The Farmers’ Union of Wales has an obligation to work with all political parties and Governments of the day to secure our members’ futures, and to oppose those actions or proposals we believe would be detrimental to our industry.

“Over the years our relations with Welsh Governments have delivered positive results for both farmers and governments as well as for the wider economy of Wales and we very much hope that we will be able to work with Mark Drakeford to continue this record.

“There can be little doubt that the vast majority of the core objectives of the FUW and the Welsh Government have been aligned, not least in terms of protecting Welsh livelihoods, sustaining and creating Welsh jobs, and improving Welsh prosperity and sustainability. We are also closely aligned in terms of the Well-being of Future Generations Act where farming can and does play such an important role.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has thrown its weight behind an amendment to the UK Government’s EU withdrawal deal motion which could prevent the devastation of a hard Brexit.

The amendment, tabled by Labour MP Hilary Benn and signed by both Labour and Conservative MPs, was supported unanimously by FUW standing and county committee chairmen during a special meeting held on Wednesday (December 5).

Mr Benn’s amendment, which declines the EU withdrawal deal put forward by the UK Government, but also rejects the UK leaving the EU without some form of withdrawal agreement and framework for the future UK-EU relationship being in place, is being supported by Plaid Cymru, the Scottish National Party and the Liberal Democrats, as well as many Conservative and Labour MPs.

Speaking after the meeting, FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “Following a lengthy discussion, it was agreed unanimously that Mr Benn’s amendment was the option which minimises the risk of the UK leaving the EU without a deal - something that would be devastating for Welsh farming and the UK as a whole.”