A delegation from the Farmers’ Union of Wales travelled to Westminster to hold vital talks with UK Government ministers, placing the resilience of Welsh agriculture, biosecurity, and emergency support at the top of the political agenda.

Union officials met with Anna McMorrin MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Wales Office, before holding joint discussions at the Home Office with DEFRA Ministers Stephen Morgan MP and Baroness Hayman of Ullock.

The FUW made representations on the ongoing negotiations for a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement with the EU.

The Union made clear how it recognises the potential benefits an SPS agreement could deliver for Welsh farmers in terms of increased exports and improved market access.

However, the most relevant concerns to Welsh farming businesses, such as those surrounding potential changes to livestock transport requirements, were also discussed at length.

The FUW also took the opportunity to call for UK-wide co-ordination when it comes to tackling immediate challenges such as wildfires, fodder availability and disease outbreaks.

Ahead of the impending UK budget announcement, Union representatives called for a dedicated UK emergency fund designed to support farming businesses with short-term crises and financial challenges.

FUW President Ian Rickman said: “Welsh farmers operate within a complex policy environment and decisions taken in Westminster on reserved matters such as trade, taxation and biosecurity have a direct impact on farming businesses in Wales.

“It was also positive to note that our call for a dedicated emergency fund to support farmers with immediate challenges will be explored. Any successful strategies to tackle issues such as wildfires, fodder shortages and disease control will require immediate and long-term investment, targeted at impacted farm businesses and bodies that play a key role in prevention and surveillance across the UK.”