The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) is set to mark a significant milestone at the 2025 Royal Welsh Show, opening its pavilion doors to celebrate 70 years since its establishment.

As the flagship agricultural event opens its gates in Llanelwedd from July 21st to the 24th, the FUW will reflect on its proud history of championing Welsh family farms while firmly setting its sights on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Welsh agriculture.

Foundation

Established in 1955, the FUW was born from a belief that the distinct interests of Welsh farmers required an independent and dedicated voice. For seven decades, the Union has since stood as a steadfast advocate, securing formal government recognition in 1978 and consistently working to ensure the economic viability and sustainability of family farms across Wales.

Today, the FUW's founding principles of thriving, sustainable family farms continue at the heart of the Union’s work, as we represent and support thousands of members across Wales.

As part of the celebrations, a special panel discussion will be held at theFUW pavilion on Wednesday 23 July 2025 at 11:00 . Chaired by renowned broadcaster Dei Tomos, the panel will bring together a range of familiar faces to reflect on seven decades of the FUW. The event will discuss the changes and challenges over the years, and address the evolving landscape facing the future of Welsh agriculture.

Tickets will also be on sale for the FUW’s special birthday raffle, with a chance to win a Honda TRX420 FE1 (Electric Shift) ATV and safety helmet worth in excess of £10,000. Tickets are available for the bargain price of £5 each and will be on sale at the FUW pavilion throughout the week, and can also be purchased online. Profits for the raffle will go towards the Wales Air Ambulance.

Future

As well as an opportunity to reflect on the Union’s history, the Show also offers a crucial opportunity to look forward, with a particular focus on future farm funding frameworks, and what work can be done to incentivise and support the next generation of farmers.

With the industry waiting in anticipation for the final Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), a question and answer session at theFUW pavilion on Monday morning at 11:00 will provide an opportunity to hear the FUW's reaction and our efforts to improve the Scheme design over recent months. Chaired by Farmers Weekly reporter, Anne Dunn, FUW Head of Policy, Gareth Parry, will be joined by Welsh Government’s Mark Alexander, providing an opportunity for members and the public to ask questions on the Scheme design and expectations.

Wednesday morning will also provide insight on future farm funding, with the FUW hosting a discussion focused on the Welsh Government’s new Ffermio Bro agri-environment scheme, with a discussion on how it can support farmers and nature in National Parks and Designated Landscapes in Wales. Representatives from the FUW, Ffermio Bro team and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park will be present at the discussion at9:30am at the FUW pavilion on Wednesday morning .

Looking towards the future, Tuesday will see the FUW launch their policy report ‘ A Mandate for Future Farmers ’, outlining the Union’s vision to increase the opportunities for young farmers and new entrants in Wales. The document will outline key asks of both the Welsh and UK governments, as well as the wider farming community, to nurture the next generation of farmers. Held at the FUW pavilion onTuesday morning at 11:15 , the launch will provide an opportunity for an array of young farmers and new entrants to share their own experiences, as well as insight from representatives from Wales’ Young Farmers Clubs and Farming Connect.

Commenting ahead of the Royal Welsh Show, FUW President Ian Rickman said: “The Royal Welsh Show is the highlight of Wales’ agricultural calendar. I cannot wait to be in Llanelwedd once again this year, catching up with members, engaging with politicians and stakeholders, and having an opportunity to partake in discussions focusing on the changes and challenges facing Welsh agriculture.

“With the FUW celebrating our 70th birthday, this year’s Show offers a unique opportunity to look both backwards and forwards - commemorating our foundation with events focused on the future of Welsh farming.

"You'll find a warm welcome at the FUW pavilion throughout the week. We're eager to speak with everyone as we celebrate our achievements of standing strong for family farms over the past seven decades, and cast our eyes forward to the next 70 years of Welsh agriculture."

Beyond the exciting events and celebrations, the FUW pavilion will be a hub of activity all week. Members and the public alike can stop by for tea, coffee, and refreshments.

Embracing a family-friendly approach, the FUW is also looking forward to selling milkshakes in the Lle Llaeth, meanwhile a ‘name the cow’ competition, a cow milking competition and a virtual reality ATV experience are sure to provide entertainment for all the family. For those who enjoy live music, the popular Welsh language group Bwncath will be returning to the pavilion for a gig on Tuesday night.

A full timeline of FUW events and discussions throughout the Royal Welsh can be found attached to this e-mail.