NFU Cymru calls for independent review of farm regulation

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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NFU Cymru has urged the next Welsh Government to prioritise an independent review of agricultural regulation.

The call comes as candidates prepare for next week’s Senedd elections, with the union pressing those seeking office to commit to a comprehensive assessment of the regulatory framework affecting the sector.

NFU Cymru said the issue has not been formally examined since a government-backed review in 2011, and argues that a fresh, wide-ranging analysis is now overdue.

The organisation is seeking an early commitment from the incoming administration to commission what it describes as a “deep dive” into the cumulative burden of rules facing primary producers.

The proposed review, outlined in the union’s Growing Forward manifesto, would be independent and wide in scope, with the aim of creating a policy and regulatory environment that supports farm businesses rather than constraining them.

The issue has been highlighted by NFU Cymru’s Less Favoured Area Board Chair, Kath Whitrow, as part of the union’s pre-election campaign.

Kath Whitrow said: “We are long overdue a review of the red-tape, bureaucracy and regulatory processes.

“Regulation and red-tape are a cost to the industry in terms of both time and money – and that cost ultimately ends up with the consumer.

“There is a real cost of living challenge for the public right now and we need to cut as much cost out of this industry as possible.

“Welsh agriculture is the foundation stone of the Welsh food and drink sector. We really need to be ambitious in how we support that industry, so that is is able to continue to grow and deliver for Wales.”