The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has launched its 2017 General Election manifesto, outlining what it considers the priorities for the next UK Government should be in terms of agriculture.
The FUW, in its manifesto, said it believes that the next UK Government must take the opportunity to shape domestic policies fit for a UK outside the EU.
The farming union warns that those policies 'must respect' the current balances of power between devolved nations.
Welsh farmers have concerns regarding disproportionate EU rules, regulations and bureaucracy which led to so many voting to leave the EU in Wales.
'Brexit will dominate'
FUW President Glyn Roberts said the upcoming general election is 'unusual' and will be a 'single issue' election.
“Brexit will dominate and we need to ensure that whoever forms the next Government understands the significant challenges and opportunities that Welsh family farms face. And that they also recognise that Wales – and Welsh farming – is not England and English farming.
“We must ensure that we continue to grow and deliver successful, profitable businesses in strong, happy, multilingual communities. Farm businesses that offer hope for our younger generation and help to keep our rural communities alive. For us the past is a foundation for building our future.”
“The FUW is committed to lobbying all those in Westminster to ensure that Welsh agriculture and Wales’ family farms receive the attention and respect that they warrant, for the period of the next Parliament and beyond – for the sake of all our futures,” added Mr Roberts.
Numerous other rural organisations have released their manifestos, including the NFU, NFU Cymru, the CLA, the Soil Association, the Tenant Farmers' Association and the Campaign to Protect Rural England, the British Veterinary Association and the Countryside Alliance.
