A PEMBROKESHIRE MP has said local farmers must be “at the heart” of upcoming UK–EU negotiations aimed at reducing trade barriers on agricultural products.

Henry Tufnell raised the issue with ministers this week, stressing that family farms play a crucial role in the county’s rural economy, culture, and food production.

Speaking about the negotiations, the Labour MP said new arrangements between the UK and the European Union could present a significant opportunity for Welsh agriculture if handled correctly.

Family farms central to talks

Mr Tufnell said he had asked the UK Government to confirm that the interests of farmers in counties like Pembrokeshire would be fully represented as discussions move forward.

“Family farms are the backbone of Pembrokeshire’s rural economy, culture, and food production,” he said.

“The UK’s upcoming negotiations with the EU will reduce trade barriers on agricultural products, presenting a significant opportunity for our local economy.”

He added that ensuring Welsh farmers benefit from improved market access must remain a priority.

“This week I asked the Minister to confirm that Pembrokeshire farmers are at the heart of these negotiations,” he said.

“I will keep working with both the UK and Welsh Labour Governments to ensure that Pembrokeshire farmers get the maximum benefit from our new relationship with the EU.”

Trade opportunities and concerns

Agriculture remains one of the sectors most affected by changes in the UK’s trading relationship with the EU following Brexit.

The European Union was historically the largest export market for British agricultural products, including Welsh lamb and beef, both of which are key industries in Pembrokeshire and across rural Wales.

Reducing regulatory barriers or simplifying export processes could make it easier for farmers to sell produce into European markets.

However, some farming organisations have previously raised concerns that future agreements could also lead to increased competition from imported food products if safeguards are not in place.

The National Farmers’ Union has repeatedly called for any new trade arrangements to protect high standards in animal welfare, environmental protection, and food safety.

Importance to Pembrokeshire economy

Farming remains a major part of Pembrokeshire’s economy, with family-run farms producing livestock, dairy, and arable crops across the county.

Many rural communities depend directly or indirectly on the agricultural sector through supply chains, food processing, tourism, and local employment.

Mr Tufnell’s comments come at a time when farmers are also facing rising costs for fuel, fertiliser, and feed, alongside ongoing uncertainty about agricultural support payments following the UK’s departure from the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy.

The MP said he intends to continue raising the issue in Westminster to ensure rural communities in West Wales benefit from any new trading opportunities.

“The priority must be making sure that farmers in Pembrokeshire are supported and able to thrive in the years ahead,” he said.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) and NFU Cymru used their joint fringe event at Plaid Cymru’s recent Spring Conference, held at the ICC Newport, to reinforce their shared manifesto priorities and urge the next Welsh Government to deliver a fair, forward-looking budget that properly supports Welsh agriculture and the rural communities it sustains.

Chaired by Llyr Gruffydd MS, Plaid Cymru’s Agriculture and Rural Affairs spokesperson, the event provided a platform for both unions to set out the sustained financial pressures facing the sector.

They pointed to what they described as more than a decade of stagnation in the agricultural budget, warning that funding has failed to keep pace with rising costs and increasing regulatory and environmental expectations.
The unions argued that had overall funding kept pace with inflation over the past 13 years, the agricultural budget would now exceed £500 million – underscoring what they see as a substantial and growing gap between current allocations and the sector’s actual needs.
Speaking at the event, NFU Cymru President Abi Reader outlined the union’s key manifesto calls for a ring-fenced, multi-annual budget to support the sustainable growth of Welsh food and farming.

She said: “Welsh farmers must not be expected to do more for less. The next government must commit to providing a ring-fenced, multi-annual budget that matches our ambitions for the sustainable growth of the sector.
“This funding must underpin the financial resilience of our family farms and rural communities, while working in harmony with our environmental and climate obligations. We are calling for a budget in excess of £500 million per annum, with the majority of funding directed towards stability, productivity and efficiency gains on farm.
“We also call on the next Welsh Government to challenge the UK Government to ensure that future uplifts to agricultural support funding fairly reflect Wales’ needs, rather than being constrained by the limitations of the Barnett formula.”
The calls were echoed during the session by the FUW’s Senedd and Parliamentary Officer, George Lewes, who stressed that the next Welsh Government must also strengthen budgetary support for the forthcoming Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).
He argued that the transition to the new framework represents a significant structural shift for farm businesses and must be underpinned by adequate, long-term financial backing to ensure its success.

Commenting, he said:
“If we are to deliver on food security, climate and biodiversity goals, the scheme must be backed by a budget that matches those expectations.”
The fringe event also provided an opportunity for the unions to outline their wider shared ambitions for the sector ahead of the Senedd election. These included reducing on-farm bureaucracy, delivering a science-led and properly resourced strategy to eradicate bovine TB, and addressing ongoing concerns surrounding NVZ regulations and the unintended consequences they continue to create for family farms.
Concluding FUW President, Ian Rickman said: “Both unions have emphasised that alongside fair and sustained funding, meaningful regulatory reform and practical, evidence-based policies are essential to safeguarding the viability and long-term sustainability of Welsh agriculture.
Ahead of the Senedd election, we look forward to continuing constructive engagement with all parties to ensure these priorities are delivered for the benefit of our farmers, rural communities, and the wider Welsh economy.”

THE ROYAL WELSH Agricultural Society (RWAS) and the National Sheep Association (NSA) are collaborating to launch a new Welsh Sheep Village at this year’s Royal Welsh Show.

Located on the site of the former NSA Pavilion, the village will celebrate the Welsh sheep industry’s importance. Including trade stands and educational activities, it’s designed to showcase innovation and good practice to farmers, whilst helping the wider public understanding of sheep farming and the vital role it plays in shaping our landscape and heritage.

Called Cynefin – Welsh for “habitat” or “place of belonging” – the village will reflect the deep connection between land, sheep farming, and community in Wales.

RWAS chief executive, Aled Rhys Jones, said: “Sheep farming and the generations of farmers who have worked the land have shaped our Welsh landscape. We are delighted to be working closely with the NSA to introduce this exciting new concept which celebrates our rich farming history.

“The sheep section already covers almost four acres of our showground, so it’s evidently a major part of the Royal Welsh Show. We host one of the largest and most diverse collection of sheep breeds of any show in the world and have world-class shearing and wool handling competitions.

“The new Sheep Village, alongside the Meirion Shearing Centre, the exhibition halls and the sheep ring, will further elevate the industry’s status.”

Phil Stocker, NSA chief executive, added:“Cynefin, the sheep village, is a new concept that gives NSA and RWAS an opportunity to introduce a fresh approach on how we profile sheep farming at the Royal Welsh Show. 

“One of the most valuable things we can do for the industry is to play our part in explaining and showcasing sheep farming to the public and celebrate the great innovation and technology that we use. 

“We have a great industry which is far more progressive than many realise and our approach to producing food and fibre works well alongside managing our landscape, providing for nature and maintaining rural communities and economies. 

“If we can do more to showcase this, then our new partnership venture at the Royal Welsh Show will be worthwhile.”

The popular NSA Bar and Restaurant will also form part of the new village, together with a new open air courtyard offering a welcoming space for farmers and showgoers to meet and relax.