NFU Cymru launches farming manifesto ahead of 2026 Senedd Election
NFU Cymru launches farming manifesto ahead of 2026 Senedd Election
NFU Cymru has unveiled a new election manifesto that places food production and farming at the centre of political debate ahead of the 2026 Senedd election. The document, titled Welsh Farming: Growing Forward, was officially launched today at the Senedd during the union’s flagship Celebration of Welsh Food & Farming event.
The manifesto outlines a wide-ranging series of policy priorities for the next Welsh Government, with a particular focus on creating a sustainable and resilient food system. Central demands include the development of a farm-to-fork food strategy, future agricultural policies that support domestic food production, and increased sourcing of Welsh produce in the public sector.
The event, sponsored by Jane Dodds MS, was part of NFU Cymru’s fourth annual Welsh Farming Week—a series of activities across Wales aimed at highlighting the economic and social importance of the agricultural sector.
Speaking at the Senedd, NFU Cymru President Aled Jones said the launch marks a proactive step in engaging political candidates and parties ahead of the May 2026 vote.
“While we’re still 11 months away from the election, this is a pivotal time for Welsh farming,” Jones said. “Decisions made in the next Senedd term will define the future of our industry. We’re committed to working with policymakers of all parties to ensure Welsh agriculture remains a world-leader in sustainable food production.”
Jones also highlighted the role of younger farmers in shaping the manifesto, citing the union’s Next Generation Development Group as a key voice in setting future priorities. “These are the people who will deliver food security, environmental stewardship, and economic value for generations to come,” he added.
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The manifesto doesn’t stop at food policy. It also calls for action on key rural challenges including bovine TB, water quality, and the need for a ring-fenced, multi-annual budget to support farming in Wales.
NFU Cymru also used the event to emphasise the wider economic impact of the agricultural sector. According to the union, the Welsh food and drink industry—built on the output of local farms—has an annual turnover exceeding £9.3 billion and employs 228,500 people, nearly 17% of the national workforce.
“Thriving Welsh agriculture is not just a rural issue,” Jones said. “The sector underpins economic activity in villages, towns, and cities alike. Every constituency in Wales, regardless of how many farms it contains, is home to people whose livelihoods depend on farming and food production.”
Looking ahead to the expansion of the Senedd to 96 seats in 2026, with members elected entirely by proportional representation, NFU Cymru plans to increase engagement with political candidates across all parties.
“Between now and the election—and after—we’ll be pressing home the message that farming matters to every community in Wales,” said Jones. “Every constituent relies on the food Welsh farmers produce.”
The Welsh Farming: Growing Forward manifesto is expected to guide NFU Cymru’s advocacy work through the 2026 election and beyond.
