Farming

Welsh farmers on the brink: Could we soon see protests like in Europe?

Published

2 years ago

February 11, 2024

WHILE scenes of agricultural protest sweep across Europe, from the bustling streets of Brussels to the historic avenues of Berlin, Britain’s farmland remains notably calm. Yet, farmers have been gathering in large numbers, voicing their concerns in packing out cattle markets rather than taking their issues directly to the streets.

The relative quiet of the farmers in Wales might seem puzzling against the backdrop of widespread European demonstrations. The agriculture sector across the whole of the UK, in fact, is grappling with significant challenges.

Recent surveys revealing alarming concerns among fruit, vegetable, and dairy producers about their survival in the coming years.

Nearly half of the UK’s fruit and veg growers and a third of dairy farmers fear their operations may not last beyond 2025, a statistic that paints a grim picture of the industry’s future.

One might speculate that Brexit has shielded British farmers from the tumult affecting their European counterparts.

***Tractors parked at the farmer’s meeting in Carmarthen last week (Image C Campbell/Herald)***

However, this assumption quickly falls apart when one delves into the myriad issues facing UK agriculture.

The crisis is not of isolation but of scale, economics, and policy. British farms are generally larger than those in the EU, which may buffer them against some pressures but does not immunize them against the high costs of fuel, stringent environmental regulations, and the uncertainties post-Brexit policy changes bring.

In Wales, the situation is particularly acute. The Welsh government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme, set to redefine agricultural funding post-Brexit, demands significant environmental commitments from farmers.

They are required to dedicate portions of their land to tree planting and wildlife habitats, a mandate that many argue is impractical without undermining their business viability.

Coupled with the reduction in environmental payment schemes and sweeping regulations on slurry and fertiliser usage under the new nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZ) policy, Welsh farmers find themselves at a crossroads.

The dissatisfaction runs deeper, touching on the essence of farming identity and its place in society. British farmers, particularly in Wales, express a profound concern over their perception by the public and the political establishment. There is a fear of far-right or populist groups exploiting their cause, a worry compounded by a perceived lack of public empathy towards the agricultural sector. This cultural and political disconnect has left many feeling isolated and misunderstood, reluctant to adopt the protest tactics seen elsewhere in Europe.

Moreover, the shadow of bovine tuberculosis (TB) looms large, with Welsh farmers calling for more decisive action to tackle the disease that has led to significant cattle losses. The government’s refusal to consider a badger cull, seen by many as a necessary measure, has added to the sense of frustration and helplessness within the farming community.

The challenges are manifold: rising operational costs, from fertilisers to machinery fuels, have squeezed margins to breaking points, while environmental and regulatory demands place additional burdens on an already struggling sector. Yet, despite these hurdles, the response from Welsh farmers and their British counterparts has been markedly different from the uproar seen across the Channel.

***A coffin placed at the meeting in Carmarthen last week as a stark warning from farmers (Image: BBC)***

This divergence perhaps speaks to a broader narrative about the British agricultural ethos – one of quiet endurance and a focus on adaptation over confrontation. The farming community in the UK, and particularly in Wales, is at a pivotal moment, navigating the complexities of modern agriculture, environmental stewardship, and economic survival.

In response to the crisis, Welsh Government Minister for Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths MS, has invited the presidents of the two farming unions to an urgent meeting to hear their views and discuss the serious concerns of Welsh farmers and rural businesses.

The meeting has been arranged following an urgent request from NFU Cymru President Aled Jones who met with Minister Griffiths earlier this week to express the deep sense of feeling and anguish that the industry is feeling at this moment in time.

NFU Cymru President, Aled Jones said: “We met with the Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths on Tuesday this week to express the deep concerns of the industry and we left her in no doubt over the strength of feeling and seriousness of the situation following the robust feedback we have received from our series of roadshows. I welcome the fact that the Minister recognises the serious concerns of farmers and as such has agreed to meet and look at ways to address these issues.

“Having travelled the length and breadth of Wales in the past week and met with thousands of members, it is clear that the current Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) consultation and the proposals laid out in it are causing a deep sense of anguish and concern as members contemplate the future scheme and the implications on their own individual business.

“The Minister has assured me this remains a genuine consultation and so I would urge anyone with an interest in Welsh farming to respond and let the Government know directly the strength of feeling that exists amongst our farming community. The information, briefings and response template are all available on the NFU Cymru website.

“The current consultation which proposes that the Basic Payment Scheme will be fully phased out in 2029 with no long-term stability payment in its place within the SFS is set against the backdrop of a challenging time for Welsh farmers. Agricultural inputs are over a third higher than pre-covid times, water quality regulations have added a huge regulatory and cost burden on farming businesses and bovine TB continues to cause heartache to farming families.

“NFU Cymru will take the concerns of the industry directly to the Minister at our meeting, and we will clearly set out our key asks.”

***Samuel Kurtz MS, Shadow Rural Affairs Minister*** ***(Pic: Herald)***

The conservatives, in opposition in Wales, have been vocal about what they feel is Welsh Labour’s lack of support for the farming industry.

Responding to news that protest action amongst farmers may soon be “inevitable”, Samuel Kurtz MS, Shadow Rural Affairs Minister, said: “The Labour Government must listen to the farming industry before it is too late.

“Welsh farmers have had to deal with a host of policy changes in a short space of time, their frustration is not being heard by the Labour Government and they are left feeling protests are the only option.

“There is a real sense of frustration and anger in the sector at the moment, therefore I am urging the Welsh Government to pause this consultation and to redouble their efforts to get the scheme right so that it works for Wales’ farmers.”

He later added: “Had the Welsh Government taken seriously my calls to pause the SFS consultation, then changes to the proposal could have been made. Sadly, my calls, like the calls from the farmers themselves were ignored.

“The inevitably of farmers protesting is linked to the Welsh Government’s inability to listen.

“I will stand shoulder to shoulder with farmers during any protest. My message to them is only stick together, be respectful, but the Welsh Conservatives will be with you.”

Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for Mid & West Wales, who spoke at the large farmers’ meeting on Thursday (Feb 8), said: “Enough is enough was the resounding message amidst the 3,000 heavy crowd in Carmarthen.

“The frustration our farmers and rural communities feel towards the Welsh Government and Westminster on many issues was all too clear. I will do my best to make sure their voice is heard in Cardiff Bay, and I would urge the Welsh Government to accept the unanimous call made by those present for a meeting, where these concerns can be discussed further”.

Farming

RSPCA Cymru welcomes ‘huge step’ as consultation launched on phasing out hen cages

Published

14 hours ago

January 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

UK-WIDE plans would ban new cage systems from 2027 and end all enriched cages by 2032, as charity urges public to respond

A UK-wide public consultation on proposals to phase out cages for laying hens has been launched, with animal welfare charity RSPCA Cymru describing the move as a major step towards a cage-free future in Wales.

The consultation, led by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and being run jointly with the Welsh Government, Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive, is seeking views on reforms affecting laying hens, pullets (young hens reared for egg production) and breeder layers.

Under the proposals, the building or first-time use of any new enriched “colony” cage systems would be banned from 2027. The consultation also proposes ending the use of all such cage systems by 2032.

In addition, the plans would extend the ban to all birds currently kept in conventional “battery” cages by removing the existing exemption for smaller flocks of 350 birds or fewer.

RSPCA Cymru said the announcement was particularly significant for Wales, which it noted has one of the highest proportions of free-range hen flocks globally, and is urging the public to respond during the eight-week consultation period.

David Bowles, the RSPCA’s head of public affairs, said: “The announcement of this long-awaited consultation is a huge step forward for animal welfare in Wales… We are urging the public to make their voices heard during this eight-week consultation period so we can move closer to a cage-free future for farmed animals across the UK.

“Every year across the UK, millions of farmed animals are kept in cages, unable to express their natural behaviours and experiencing an unimaginable amount of suffering. Seventy-three per cent of the British public oppose the use of cages for hens, and we have always been clear: cages cannot be part of British farming any longer.”

The RSPCA says caged systems remain in widespread use, with around ten million hens still kept in enriched cages across the UK. The charity argues that, despite being marketed as an improvement, enriched cages provide only a limited increase in space compared with the former battery cages, and still prevent birds from fully expressing natural behaviours such as dustbathing and foraging.

The charity said its campaigning on the use of cages dates back to the 1960s, and noted that its RSPCA Assured welfare standards already prohibit cages on certified farms.

RSPCA Cymru also linked the consultation to the Senedd election due to take place in May, saying it is pressing political parties to include stronger animal welfare commitments in their manifestos. The charity’s priorities include a prohibition on enriched cages for laying hens, and restrictions on other confinement systems, including farrowing crates used in pig farming.

Mr Bowles added that between five and six million pigs reared for slaughter are born in farrowing crates each year in the UK, a practice not permitted under RSPCA welfare standards. He said the charity would continue campaigning for wider reforms, and expects further consultation later this year.

Farming

FUW Farmhouse Breakfast Week returns for 2026

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE FUW (Farmers Union of Wales) will begin 2026 on a charitable and community-focused note with the return of its annual Farmhouse Breakfast Week.

More than twenty breakfast events will take place across Wales, bringing farmers, families and rural communities together over locally produced food while raising funds for good causes. Last year’s initiative raised more than £21,000 for local and national charities, including over £13,500 for the FUW President’s chosen charity, the Wales Air Ambulance.

This year’s Farmhouse Breakfast Week will also shine a spotlight on the forthcoming Senedd election in May, with the FUW calling on the next Welsh Government to deliver stability, sustainability and long-term support for Welsh family farms.

A flagship breakfast event in Cardiff Bay, sponsored by Samuel Kurtz MS, will bring together politicians and key stakeholders to discuss the future of farming in Wales.

The week will also provide an opportunity for farmers to learn more about the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), as well as the local expert support and services offered by the FUW as the scheme moves from design into delivery.

Ahead of the event, FUW President Ian Rickman said: “January can be a challenging time for farmers, with short days, cold weather and heavy workloads. Farmhouse Breakfast Week offers a welcome chance for farmers, friends and rural communities to come together, share the load and enjoy a hearty breakfast.

“With the Senedd election just months away, this year’s breakfasts will also provide an important platform to highlight the FUW’s key priorities — stability, sustainability and long-term support for Welsh family farms.

“There’s a warm welcome to everyone, and we’re looking forward to successful events in kitchens, community centres and cafés across Wales once again, celebrating the best of local produce while raising funds for vital charities, including the Wales Air Ambulance.”

The week is once again being supported by FUW Insurance Services Ltd, which was recently named among the Insurance Age Top 100 UK Brokers for 2025.

FUW Insurance Services provides tailored insurance solutions for agricultural, commercial and personal needs, from farm and smallholding cover to life, home and motor insurance. The company focuses on delivering personalised local service across Wales, with profits reinvested into supporting the Union’s work on behalf of Welsh farmers.

Chair of FUW Insurance Services, Ann Beynon OBE, said:
“We’re delighted to be supporting Farmhouse Breakfast Week once again. Rooted at the heart of rural communities, our business is proud to help bring people together to celebrate outstanding Welsh produce, enjoy the company of friends and neighbours, and highlight how our services support rural businesses.

“The week perfectly showcases the strength and spirit of rural Wales — all over a plate of breakfast. We’re incredibly grateful to the local producers and volunteers whose support makes these events possible year after year.”

Business

Major Pembrokeshire farm development back before planners after ‘cooling off’ period

Published

5 days ago

January 9, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PREVIOUSLY backed call against officer recommendations for the relocation of a Pembrokeshire farm diversification scheme which packages and distributes specialist medical equipment across Europe will again be considered by councillors.

At the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County council’s planning committee, members backed a call by Mr Van Der Spoel for the relocation and expansion of an existing farm diversification business into an existing agricultural building at Castle Villa, Hayscastle despite an officer recommendation for refusal.

Back in July a similar application by Mr Van Der Spoel, through agent Harries Planning Design Management, was refused by planning officers.

A supporting statement for that application said the Dutch-born applicant, together with his wife and adult daughter ran the farm diversification business packing specialist medical supplies at their 135-acre sheep farm.

It added: “The business run from this site is FRIO ASTRID EURO Ltd, which has a franchise agreement with FRIO UK. This business has been run from Castle Villa since its incorporation in 1998. The business was initially run from the stable building on the farmyard at Castle Villa.

“The business set-up involves receiving stock from FRIO UK in Wolfscastle, packaging orders and distributing the stock to seven Western Europe countries.”

Wolfscastle-based FRIO produces the world’s first patented insulin cooling wallet which keeps insulin and other temperature-sensitive medicines cool and safe.

The scheme for the business, said to have outgrown its current site, was previously refused by county planners on grounds including a lack of “robust evidence” to prove it couldn’t be sited within a nearby settlement or an allocated employment site, such as Haverfordwest.

Since then, an application seeking to address the reasons for refusal was submitted, and, at the request of local member Cllr Mark Carter, a call for the scheme to be decided by full planning committee rather than delegated to officers was backed at the October meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning delegation panel.

The latest application is again, after its ‘minded to’ backing at the December meeting, recommended for refusal on similar grounds to previously at the January 13 planning meeting.

It has returned to the January committee for ratification after a ‘cooling off’ period, and, if backed then, will ultimately be decided by full council.

A report for members following the ‘minded to’ approval, warns: “Members should be aware that if they are ‘minded to’ approve the application on the basis of economic benefits and farm diversification, this is a consideration which can be applied to many other existing sites. This would have further consequences for the implementation of policies within the LDP and its delivery.”

It adds that, if it is backed again, it includes a condition, suggested by the agent, that: “Should the farm and business ever be operating by different individuals/companies, the use of this building by FRIO ASTRID must cease and be relocated should further planning permission not be obtained.

“This will be regulated by the submission of documents annually to demonstrate the farm and business remain under ownership by the same individual/company.”