It was important for NFU Cymru to meet with the new Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd, at the earliest opportunity to outline the priorities that matter most to Welsh farming families.

The meeting was constructive and gave us the chance to discuss where the Welsh Government’s ambitions align with our own vision for a thriving, productive and resilient agricultural sector.

Farming in Wales delivers far more than food production. Our family farms support rural jobs, underpin local economies, care for the environment and help sustain the Welsh language and culture. That contribution must be recognised and supported.

One of the key issues we raised was the urgent need for long-term certainty around agricultural funding. Welsh farmers cannot plan, invest and grow with confidence when faced with short-term, year-by-year budget decisions. A multi-year funding commitment would provide much-needed stability for farming businesses across Wales.

We also discussed the future of the Sustainable Farming Scheme. NFU Cymru has been clear that the scheme must work for all sectors, in all parts of Wales and must strike the right balance between environmental delivery and food production. Farmers need practical, workable policies that reflect the realities of farming in an increasingly unpredictable climate.

The burden of regulation was another major talking point. Farmers recognise their environmental responsibilities, , but bureaucracy must be proportionate, practical and fit for purpose. An independent review of the regulatory burden on family farms would be a positive step forward.

Bovine TB remains on the greatest challenges facing many livestock businesses, causing financial loss and significant emotional strain. We stressed the need for urgent progress towards a meaningful eradication strategy that gives farmers confidence that real action is being taken.

Finally, we highlighted the importance of developing a truly comprehensive farm to fork strategy for Wales – one that backs homegrown food production, strengthens food security and supports economic growth.

This was an encouraging first meeting with the Cabinet Minister since taking his post, but farmers will rightly judge progress on delivery. NFU Cymru stands ready to work constructively with the new Welsh Government to help secure a strong future for Welsh farming.