The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) unveiled its latest report, A Mandate for Future Farmers, at the Royal Welsh Show - a detailed blueprint addressing the pressing challenges faced by young and new entrant farmers in Wales.

The report outlines nearly 40 targeted recommendations for the Welsh and UK governments, as well as the wider farming sector, aimed at securing a sustainable and resilient future for Welsh agriculture.

The report highlights the urgent need to attract and retain young people in farming to protect food security, rural economies, and land management skills. It warns of major barriers facing new entrants, noting that the average age of key decision-makers on Welsh farms is 61, with just 3 per cent under 35.

The report identifies high land prices and limited access to finance as major barriers for young entrants, with low incomes and irregular cash flow making it hard to secure land or cover start-up costs. It also highlights increasing competition for land from carbon investors, forestry, lifestyle buyers, charities, other farmers, government bodies, and renewable energy firms.

Short-term tenancies pose a major barrier, with over 80 per cent of new Farm Business Tenancies lasting five years or less, limiting long-term investment. The sale of county council farms has further reduced available land by 25 per cent in the past decade.

The report outlines a broad strategy to support the next generation of farmers, with key recommendations for the Welsh and UK governments, and the wider farming sector.

For the Welsh Government, the FUW calls for quarterly Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) payments, prioritisation of new entrants, and financial support via the Development Bank of Wales. It also recommends reinstating the Agri Academy, improving SFS access, supporting young farmer networks, investing in training and technology, and reducing bureaucracy.

For the UK Government, the report urges a rethink of changes to Agricultural Property Relief, arguing that assets should be taxed at sale, not succession. It also backs longer, fairer tenancies as outlined in the Rock Review.

The wider industry is encouraged to offer longer-term tenancies, consider share or contract farming, joint ventures, and mentoring. The FUW also highlights the importance of succession planning, equipment sharing, and continued support for Wales’ Young Farmers’ Clubs.

Teleri Fielden, FUW Policy Officer said: "The future of Welsh agriculture, and indeed our ability to respond to wider challenges as a nation, hinges on our ability to support and empower the next generation.

"A Mandate for Future Farmers is a clear call to action for governments and the industry. We must remove the barriers, create genuine opportunities, and invest in the talent that will ensure our family farms continue to thrive for decades to come, providing food, managing biodiverse and climate resilient farms, and sustaining our rural communities."

Ian Rickman, FUW President added: "This report is more than just a list of recommendations; it's a blueprint for a resilient and thriving future for Welsh farming, ensuring that the heart of our rural communities continues to beat strong for generations to come."