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North Wales Chronicle
6 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
FUW give evidence to Westminster's Welsh Affairs Committee
Last week the Farmers' Union of Wales welcomed the opportunity to present evidence to Westminster's Welsh Affairs Committee inquiry into the challenges and opportunities facing farming in Wales in 2025. The FUW was represented by our Head of Policy, Gareth Parry, who was questioned by MPs on a number of the ongoing challenges facing Welsh agriculture; including the UK's withdrawal from the European Union, the changes to agricultural and business property relief and how changes to the UK Government's funding for Welsh agriculture will impact the sustainability of the sector. As part of the session, the FUW highlighted the impact the UK's departure from the EU has had due to the loss of the intermediate-term stability provided by the EU's seven year Multiannual Financial Framework. The lack of such replacement financial frameworks has allowed the UK Government to apply the Barnett Formula to any future adjustments to Welsh agricultural funding, meaning that Wales will receive subsequent uplifts based on a historical share of the UK population as opposed to rural needs. Beyond the uncertainty regarding future farm funding, the FUW also highlighted how successive UK governments' appetite to sign trade agreements with other countries has undermined domestic food production. These agreements threaten to pull the rug from beneath Welsh farmers by reforming agricultural policies and replacing domestic food production with imports, with little consideration of the economic viability of Welsh farming businesses. Several questions during the session focused on the proposed inheritance tax reforms, with Mr Parry relaying the latest figures from Family Business UK and CBI Economics on the potential impacts for the UK economy. In summary, the report suggests that the reduction in business activity will lead to a loss in Gross Value Added (GVA) of £14.8 billion over the next five years. These latest figures again demonstrate HM Treasury's failure to consider the wider economic and social impacts of the proposed changes, and far-reaching implications on Welsh family farms and the economy. Frustratingly, it's been clear since the Budget announcement that HM Treasury Officials have had no intention of even acknowledging our concerns. They have slammed the door on the industry and appear to have thrown away the key. It remains the case that the FUW are not calling for the policy to be scrapped, however we continue to seek an opportunity to design a policy with HM Treasury that works for genuine family farms whilst closing the loopholes that currently exist.
Rhyl Journal
6 days ago
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
FUW give evidence to Westminster's Welsh Affairs Committee
Last week the Farmers' Union of Wales welcomed the opportunity to present evidence to Westminster's Welsh Affairs Committee inquiry into the challenges and opportunities facing farming in Wales in 2025. The FUW was represented by our Head of Policy, Gareth Parry, who was questioned by MPs on a number of the ongoing challenges facing Welsh agriculture; including the UK's withdrawal from the European Union, the changes to agricultural and business property relief and how changes to the UK Government's funding for Welsh agriculture will impact the sustainability of the sector. As part of the session, the FUW highlighted the impact the UK's departure from the EU has had due to the loss of the intermediate-term stability provided by the EU's seven year Multiannual Financial Framework. The lack of such replacement financial frameworks has allowed the UK Government to apply the Barnett Formula to any future adjustments to Welsh agricultural funding, meaning that Wales will receive subsequent uplifts based on a historical share of the UK population as opposed to rural needs. Beyond the uncertainty regarding future farm funding, the FUW also highlighted how successive UK governments' appetite to sign trade agreements with other countries has undermined domestic food production. These agreements threaten to pull the rug from beneath Welsh farmers by reforming agricultural policies and replacing domestic food production with imports, with little consideration of the economic viability of Welsh farming businesses. Several questions during the session focused on the proposed inheritance tax reforms, with Mr Parry relaying the latest figures from Family Business UK and CBI Economics on the potential impacts for the UK economy. In summary, the report suggests that the reduction in business activity will lead to a loss in Gross Value Added (GVA) of £14.8 billion over the next five years. These latest figures again demonstrate HM Treasury's failure to consider the wider economic and social impacts of the proposed changes, and far-reaching implications on Welsh family farms and the economy. Frustratingly, it's been clear since the Budget announcement that HM Treasury Officials have had no intention of even acknowledging our concerns. They have slammed the door on the industry and appear to have thrown away the key. It remains the case that the FUW are not calling for the policy to be scrapped, however we continue to seek an opportunity to design a policy with HM Treasury that works for genuine family farms whilst closing the loopholes that currently exist.
Powys County Times
13-06-2025
- Health
- Powys County Times
Farming unions raise concerns over Wales' bluetongue stance
FARMING unions have expressed 'disappointment' and 'concern' at the Welsh Government's decision not to impose restrictions on livestock movement amid the spread of the bluetongue virus. Multiple outbreaks in England saw the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announce last month that the restricted zone for bluetongue will be extended to cover all of England from July 1. Farmers will be able to move animals within England without a bluetongue licence or test but with Wales not imposing restrictions having not seen a confirmed case, limits are to be placed on moving livestock from England. Cattle, sheep and goats will need to test negative for the potentially fatal disease before they can be transported across the border. This led to the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) announcing this week that English and Scottish livestock exhibitors will not be allowed to compete at this year's Royal Welsh Show in July. Farming organisations in Wales had urged Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies to align with England to prevent restrictions on livestock movements. However, the cabinet secretary for rural affairs, said his decision was made in an 'attempt to hold back the disease for as long as we can', adding he could not 'in all conscience invite bluetongue into Wales' by aligning with England. A specific movement licence will be administered by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), while England's focus will shift to encouraging uptake of new vaccines which alleviate the symptoms. 'The current RZ approach in England has helped keep bluetongue away from the Welsh border," Mr Irranca-Davies said. "I regret the current RZ cannot be maintained but understand the reasons behind its expansion to the whole of England. 'In practical terms, it means we will lose the security of having a two-county buffer between potentially infected livestock in England and the Welsh border. This change increases the risk of disease incursion into Wales.' NFU Cymru has expressed concern at the cost and practicality of these controls. 'There are many unknowns about how BTV-3 could impact our herds and flocks across Wales and Welsh farmers are extremely worried about the threat of the spread of the disease,' said NFU Cymru president Aled Jones. 'However, we have significant concerns about the lack of resources and capacity within the laboratories and APHA to deliver against the potential demand for each and every animal to be tested and licensed, given the significant amount of stock that move across the border from England to Wales for management, welfare and trading purposes. 'We understand that going forward the costs of testing will be borne by the farmer, which will cause a huge increase to the cost of trading.' FUW president Ian Rickman called the non-alignment a 'disappointment to the industry'. 'As farmers our first instinct is to keep any disease out, but in order to maintain economic stability within the industry, the FUW has repeatedly lobbied the Welsh Government to simultaneously align with the changes proposed in England, as the sheer number of cross-border holdings and trading activity will be vastly disrupted with this policy decision. 'Meanwhile, midges that carry and spread the virus would not respect any such boundaries. 'DEFRA's decision will inevitably bring disease to the Welsh-English border and places both the Welsh Government and the wider industry in an impossible situation. 'However, given this 'when' not 'if' circumstance of bluetongue encroachment into Wales, the FUW believes enforcing a border between Wales and England is both a futile endeavour and wholly impractical.'
North Wales Live
13-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Hard border between Wales and England to halt deadly disease could be 'costly and futile'
Livestock farmers in Wales face hard border arrangements with England in what some believe is a futile attempt to halt the advance of a deadly disease. The industry fears being crippled by the need to test and licence vast numbers of sheep and cattle when they cross the border into England. Unlike England, Wales is still free of bluetongue, a viral disease that cause ulcers around the animal's mouth and face. In the Netherlands, tens of thousands of sheep have died and British farmers fear worse could happen in the UK. In an attempt to contain the virus' spread, an England-wide restricted zone (RZ) is to be imposed from July 1. In practice this means existing movement controls will be eased with farmer encouraged to use new bluetongue vaccines instead. The Welsh Government is reluctant to follow suit, fearing a freedom-of-movement regime will hasten bluetongue's spread into the country. Instead, Cardiff wants to keep the virus at bay 'for as long as we can' and so has opted not to apply an RZ in the county. But the Welsh farming sector has warned the implications could be 'catastrophic' for cross-border trade. Some 550 cross-border agri businesses and straddle the Wales-England border and each year tens of thousands of animals are shipped out to livestock markets. It also has major implications for July's Royal Welsh Show, Europe's largest agri showcase and the biggest annual event in Wales. Livestock exhibitors from England and Scotland will now be unable to attend, slashing the cattle entry by 40%. Refunds are being processed. Urging Cardiff to align Wales with England, the industry has branded the looming arrangements as both 'a futile endeavour and wholly impractical'. FUW president Ian Rickman said farmers' first instincts were to keep any disease out of Wales – but in this case the solution could be economically disastrous. Mr Rickman said midges carrying the disease are likely to blow into Wales regardless of England's RZ. He said the insects 'do not respect any such boundaries' and the RZ will hasten the spread of bluetongue to Wales anyway. 'The on-farm practicalities involved with adhering to this policy position brings with it a wealth of barriers and complications,' he said. 'The mechanics of issuing licences in a timely manner, arranging and conducting pre-movement sampling and testing, co-ordinating haulage and the extortionate costs and disruption to cross-border holdings and trade – it is feared that the decision to hold back the tide will be entirely unattainable and impractical.' While Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) poses a serious threat to cattle, sheep, goats deer and alpacas across the UK, it does not affect humans or compromise food safety. Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said he had agonised over the decision. On balance, it was the lesser of two evils, he said, adding: 'I cannot in all conscience invite Bluetongue into Wales on 1st July through aligning with the RZ in England. 'I am unwilling to risk the uncertain impact of the disease in livestock dense areas like the Welsh borders. I am also extremely concerned about the economic and farmer wellbeing impacts of dealing with sick animals, and the livestock productivity and fertility losses associated with severe Bluetongue, as observed in many affected European countries.' By setting up border arrangements, it's hoped this will buy time for Welsh farmers to vaccinate their animals against the disease. If Bluetongue does arrive in Wales anyway, disease controls will be implemented. Being a fast-changing situation, Mr Irranca-Davies pledged to 'adapt to the evolving disease situation'. NFU Cymru president Aled Jones said Welsh farmers were 'extremely worried' about the disease - but also about the containment and testing strategy. He said: 'We have significant concerns about the lack of resources and testing capacity within the laboratories and APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) given the significant amount of stock that move across the border from England to Wales for management, welfare and trading purposes. 'We understand that going forward the costs of testing will be borne by the farmer, which will cause a huge increase to the cost of trading. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox 'We are about to enter an extremely important time of the year in the farming calendar, with many farmers looking to trade breeding stock and store stock ahead of the autumn and winter months. 'For many herds and flocks, the opportunity to trade breeding stock, both those looking to purchase or sell stock, only comes once a year and this trade is critical. Welsh Government must ensure that a sustainable solution is found as soon as possible.'
Wales Online
13-06-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Hard border between Wales and England to halt deadly disease could be 'costly and futile'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Livestock farmers in Wales face hard border arrangements with England in what some believe is a futile attempt to halt the advance of a deadly disease. The industry fears being crippled by the need to test and licence vast numbers of sheep and cattle when they cross the border into England. Unlike England, Wales is still free of bluetongue, a viral disease that cause ulcers around the animal's mouth and face. In the Netherlands, tens of thousands of sheep have died and British farmers fear worse could happen in the UK. In an attempt to contain the virus' spread, an England-wide restricted zone (RZ) is to be imposed from July 1. In practice this means existing movement controls will be eased with farmer encouraged to use new bluetongue vaccines instead. The Welsh Government is reluctant to follow suit, fearing a freedom-of-movement regime will hasten bluetongue's spread into the country. Instead, Cardiff wants to keep the virus at bay 'for as long as we can' and so has opted not to apply an RZ in the county. But the Welsh farming sector has warned the implications could be 'catastrophic' for cross-border trade. Some 550 cross-border agri businesses and straddle the Wales-England border and each year tens of thousands of animals are shipped out to livestock markets. It also has major implications for July's Royal Welsh Show, Europe's largest agri showcase and the biggest annual event in Wales. Livestock exhibitors from England and Scotland will now be unable to attend, slashing the cattle entry by 40%. Refunds are being processed. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now Urging Cardiff to align Wales with England, the industry has branded the looming arrangements as both 'a futile endeavour and wholly impractical'. FUW president Ian Rickman said farmers' first instincts were to keep any disease out of Wales – but in this case the solution could be economically disastrous. Mr Rickman said midges carrying the disease are likely to blow into Wales regardless of England's RZ. He said the insects 'do not respect any such boundaries' and the RZ will hasten the spread of bluetongue to Wales anyway. 'The on-farm practicalities involved with adhering to this policy position brings with it a wealth of barriers and complications,' he said. 'The mechanics of issuing licences in a timely manner, arranging and conducting pre-movement sampling and testing, co-ordinating haulage and the extortionate costs and disruption to cross-border holdings and trade – it is feared that the decision to hold back the tide will be entirely unattainable and impractical.' While Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) poses a serious threat to cattle, sheep, goats deer and alpacas across the UK, it does not affect humans or compromise food safety. Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said he had agonised over the decision. On balance, it was the lesser of two evils, he said, adding: 'I cannot in all conscience invite Bluetongue into Wales on 1st July through aligning with the RZ in England. 'I am unwilling to risk the uncertain impact of the disease in livestock dense areas like the Welsh borders. I am also extremely concerned about the economic and farmer wellbeing impacts of dealing with sick animals, and the livestock productivity and fertility losses associated with severe Bluetongue, as observed in many affected European countries.' (Image: Fourrure/Wiki) By setting up border arrangements, it's hoped this will buy time for Welsh farmers to vaccinate their animals against the disease. If Bluetongue does arrive in Wales anyway, disease controls will be implemented. Being a fast-changing situation, Mr Irranca-Davies pledged to 'adapt to the evolving disease situation'. NFU Cymru president Aled Jones said Welsh farmers were 'extremely worried' about the disease - but also about the containment and testing strategy. He said: 'We have significant concerns about the lack of resources and testing capacity within the laboratories and APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) given the significant amount of stock that move across the border from England to Wales for management, welfare and trading purposes. 'We understand that going forward the costs of testing will be borne by the farmer, which will cause a huge increase to the cost of trading. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox 'We are about to enter an extremely important time of the year in the farming calendar, with many farmers looking to trade breeding stock and store stock ahead of the autumn and winter months. 'For many herds and flocks, the opportunity to trade breeding stock, both those looking to purchase or sell stock, only comes once a year and this trade is critical. Welsh Government must ensure that a sustainable solution is found as soon as possible.' Find out what's happening near you
