The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) recently welcomed Wales Office Minister, Anna McMorrin MP on a farm visit to the home of FUW Carmarthenshire Chair, Huw James, for a discussion on the key issues currently shaping the future of Welsh agriculture.

Farming near Llanwinio, Carmarthenshire, Huw is a third-generation cattle farmer who runs a beef fattening enterprise, having previously been a dairy holding. Elected FUW Carmarthenshire Chair earlier this year, Huw succeeded Ann Davies, who is now the current Member of Parliament for Caerfyrddin.

Discussions during the visit focused on a range of challenges and changes affecting Welsh agriculture and family farms, including the proposed changes to Inheritance Tax and the FUW’s calls for these to be revisited ahead of the upcoming Autumn Budget.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to focus on a number of devolved agricultural policies, such as the Sustainable Farming Scheme, ongoing efforts to tackle Bovine TB and the impact of the Water Quality ‘NVZ’ Regulations on Welsh farmers.

FUW representatives stressed the importance of close collaboration between Westminster and the Welsh Government to ensure agricultural policies are fair, practical, and supportive of family farms, which remain the backbone of rural communities across Wales.

Commenting after the visit, FUW Carmarthenshire Chair Huw James said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Minister McMorrin to our farm and discuss the challenges and changes we face as farmers.

"While agriculture is a devolved matter, many pressing issues - including the Inheritance Tax changes and trade deals - are decided at a UK level. Having the opportunity to discuss how these policies impact Welsh farming directly was very valuable, and we’re grateful to the Minister for taking the time to engage with us.”

FUW President Ian Rickman added: “As a Union, we’re very grateful to the Minister for accepting our invitation to visit a farm and talk about the uncertainties facing our members and Welsh agriculture.

"It’s always valuable to have politicians out on farms, seeing first-hand what’s happening on the ground and hearing directly from farmers about the challenges and opportunities within the industry.

"With the Autumn Budget fast approaching, the visit was also a timely chance to reiterate the FUW’s concerns regarding the proposed changes to Inheritance Tax and to press for greater clarity on the future ‘Barnettisation’ of Welsh agricultural funding - both of which could have serious implications for the sustainability of Wales’ family farms.”

Wales Office Minister, Anna McMorrin MP, who was appointed to the role in September 2025, said: “Farmers are vital for Wales’s economic growth and for contributing to our renowned food and drink sector.

“It was great to meet representatives from the FUW and listen to the challenges they are facing. We discussed what the UK Government is doing to support them, including negotiating trade deals to open up new markets for Welsh produce.”