Wales’ two largest farming unions have set out their priorities for the next Senedd term at an event held during the Welsh Conservative conference in Llandudno.

NFU Cymru and the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) hosted a joint fringe meeting attended by politicians, party members and prospective candidates. The session focused on what the unions say are key issues facing the agricultural sector ahead of the next Welsh Parliament elections.

The event was opened by Welsh Conservative MS Sam Kurtz, the party’s shadow cabinet secretary for economy, energy and rural affairs. FUW President Ian Rickman and NFU Cymru President Abi Reader outlined a series of shared policy aims they want the next Welsh Government to address.

Among the main topics discussed was the proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), which is due to replace the Basic Payment Scheme. Both unions said future agricultural support must provide long-term certainty to enable farm businesses to plan ahead.

The organisations are also calling for the development of a Welsh Food Plan aimed at strengthening domestic food production and improving food security.

Other issues raised included tackling what they describe as on-farm bureaucracy, introducing a science-led approach to fight bovine TB, and reviewing nitrate vulnerable zone (NVZ) regulations, which they argue have created challenges for family farms.

The unions also highlighted the need for what they described as a balanced approach to land use, seeking to combine environmental objectives with continued support for farming businesses and rural communities.

FUW President Ian Rickman, said: “The Sustainable Farming Scheme has the potential to be a policy that supports Welsh farming to deliver for our environment, economy, and communities. The next Welsh Government and Senedd must commit to developing it further and ensure it delivers fair rewards for the work farmers do every day.”

Both presidents thanked the Welsh Conservatives for their support during the 14-month dispute with the UK Government over proposed inheritance tax changes affecting the sector.

NFU Cymru President Abi Reader said: “After a long, hard-fought campaign, a fantastic outcome was secured in December when we saw the threshold at which IHT kicks in raised significantly. Whilst the policy of taxing business assets as if they are personal wealth remains misguided, the lifting of the thresholds combined with the transferability of the allowance, now places most family farms in Wales outside the reach of this highly destructive tax, and that is something we welcome.”

The unions said that while the industry faces significant challenges, solutions are available.

Ms Reader said: “Every single person in Wales depends on the future of Welsh farming, whether for the food on their plate or the livelihoods sustained by the industry. Farmers want to continue playing their part in a strong, sustainable and successful Wales, but they need the support and stability to do so.”

Mr Rickman added: “We want to work constructively with the next Welsh Government and Senedd, whatever its composition, to ensure that farming continues to be the beating heart of rural Wales; supporting our economy, our language, and our communities.”