Farms in Wales are crucial in driving economic growth in Wales - that was the key message from Farmers’ Union of Wales President Ian Rickman when he addressed Members of the Senedd at the annual Cardiff breakfast event (Tuesday 16 February 2024).

“It is now more important than ever for politicians and policy makers to fully understand the economic role played by farm support within the context of our rural economy and the crucial role our farms play in driving economic growth.

“Therefore, any cuts, however small, to our direct support and rural affairs budget will have a knock on effect on many non-farming businesses here in Wales with our modelled worst case scenario showing that some non-farming business sectors would lose tens of millions in income.

“The inevitable impact of such a decline in business activity here in rural Wales will undoubtedly have a direct impact on business viability, rural employment and the very communities that are the backbone of rural Wales,” said FUW President Ian Rickman.

The breakfast event, which was sponsored by Plaid Cymru’s Llyr Gruffydd and also heard from Minister Lesley Griffiths, further highlighted that any future payment scheme based on environmental and public goods outcomes must protect family farms, support rural communities and maintain employment in rural Wales.

“It is vitally important that our Welsh farms continue to thrive, ensuring that our obligations and ambitions in relation to food security, nature and climate are achieved,” said Mr Rickman.

The Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), the Union president said, will form the main mechanism through which farmers receive support in Wales from 2025 onwards and is without doubt the most significant change to the way that support is delivered for generations.

“We can’t afford to get this wrong, not just for our farm businesses, but also the wider rural economy and the employment it creates. Such a scheme must ensure that agriculture is both sustainable and rewarding. To fail to do so will most likely lead to serious damage to Wales’ family farms and the role they play in Wales’ economy, society, culture and landscape,” he told breakfast guests.

Mr Rickman further stressed that it is vital that any barriers to accessing support through the SFS are removed and that it is practical and accessible for all farmers in Wales and delivers on our economic, environmental and social sustainability goals.

“The majority of us rely on such support for the survival of our farm business. Securing funding for the sector therefore remains an essential element of our focus going forward,” concluded the Union President.