In the Seventh Senedd, the farming debate has centred on the Plaid Cymru Government's handling of the Sustainable Farming Scheme, bovine TB and the agricultural pollution rules. Opposition parties pressed for timetables and guarantees, while Welsh Labour questioned water protections and badger culling. Other threads were farmland lost to solar, livestock numbers, the summer 2026 wildfires and rural-proofing legislation.
The main arguments
Laura Anne Jones (Reform UK) said take-up of the Sustainable Farming Scheme was about 50 per cent and opposed a deeper basic payment cut. Llyr Gruffydd (Plaid Cymru) cited £1 billion over three years and said he would make the scheme more accessible. Contributions:
Andrew RT Davies (Welsh Conservatives) and Jones pressed for a TB strategy and timetable, including wildlife control. Ken Skates and Vikki Howells (Welsh Labour) opposed a badger cull, citing science. Gruffydd said the trajectory is wrong and he would not support killing all badgers. Contributions: [1][2][3][4][5]
Mike Hedges and Vikki Howells (Welsh Labour) questioned relaxing the slurry spreading closed period. James Evans (Reform UK) said farming by calendar does not work, citing the Bolton review. Gruffydd said a group is turning its recommendations into action while protecting water quality. Contributions: [1][2][3][4]
Evans and Jones (Reform UK) asked for guarantees against falling livestock numbers. Rhun ap Iorwerth and Gruffydd (Plaid Cymru) said the Government does not support reducing them. Peter Fox (Welsh Conservatives) asked for an overarching national food strategy. Contributions: [1][2][3][4][5]
Gruffydd said an independent review led by John Davies, with a nine-month limit, will cut duplication. Howells (Welsh Labour) asked that water protections not be weakened. Jones (Reform UK) pressed for change before 2027. Contributions: [1][2][3][4]
Darren Millar (Welsh Conservatives) urged a review of the national planning framework and a moratorium on large solar and wind schemes on prime farmland. Tom Montgomery and Art Wright (Reform UK) raised local solar proposals on farmland. Contributions: [1][2][3]
Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru) said the Government will legislate for a rural-proofing duty. Ken Skates and Huw Thomas (Welsh Labour) and James Evans (Reform UK) asked what it would deliver; Thomas asked how to avoid a two-tier system. Contributions: [1][2][3][4]
Where the parties stand
Plaid CymruShifted
Rhun ap Iorwerth and Llyr Gruffydd said they back the family farm. They pledged multi-year funding, a red tape review, a national food strategy, science-led action on TB and a more targeted approach to nitrate rules, and said they have no agenda to cut livestock. Contributions: [1][2][3][4][5]
How this has shifted: On 2 June the pledges were multi-year funding and reviews. By 30 September Gruffydd pointed to £1 billion over three years, advance payments raised from 70 to 80 per cent, and flexibility on slurry stores.
Welsh Labour
Ken Skates, Vikki Howells and Mike Hedges criticised the lack of farming in the Government's priorities, slurry spreading changes and the prospect of a badger cull. They asked for water quality to be protected and welcomed nature-based solutions. Contributions: [1][2][3][4][5]
Welsh Conservatives
Andrew RT Davies and Paul Davies pressed for a TB plan before the Royal Welsh Show. Darren Millar wanted farmland protected from solar, and Peter Fox backed a national food strategy. Contributions: [1][2][3][4][5]
Reform UKShifted
Laura Anne Jones and James Evans called agriculture a top priority. They asked for less bureaucracy, a TB strategy with targeted wildlife control, a livestock guarantee and protection of farmland from solar. Contributions: [1][2][3][4][5]
How this has shifted: On 19 May Jones criticised the omission of agriculture from the Government's priorities. By 30 September she welcomed the nitrate rule and advance payment announcements while opposing a deeper basic payment cut.
Welsh Liberal Democrats
Jane Dodds welcomed the rural-proofing duty, noted NFU Cymru's net zero 2040 goal and said Brexit adds to red tape. She asked about working with the UK Government and who would join the wildfire work. Contributions: [1][2][3]
Wales Green Party
Paul Rock said industrialised agriculture and waste water are the two main sources of river pollution and need stronger regulation. He also asked whether required technology would disadvantage small family farms. Contributions: [1][2]
What the government is being pressed on
1When will the bovine TB plan arrive? Andrew RT Davies asked if it would come before the Royal Welsh Show. Gruffydd said he awaits the technical advisory group's advice and will consider options once it reports. Contributions: [1][2]
2Will badgers be culled? Ken Skates and Vikki Howells asked. Gruffydd said any approach must be guided by the science and he will reserve judgment until he has expert advice. Contributions: [1][2][3]
3Will water quality rules be weakened in the red tape review? Howells asked for a guarantee. Gruffydd said the aim is to remove duplication, not to row back on high standards. Contributions: [1][2]
4Will the Government guarantee that livestock numbers will not fall? Jones asked for a cast-iron guarantee. Gruffydd said there is no agenda to drive down livestock numbers. Contributions: [1][2]
5Will the basic payment transition be slowed? Jones warned a cut to 40 per cent would end most family farms. Gruffydd said he would not entertain a 1 per cent change but is considering making the scheme more accessible. Contributions: [1][2]
What the public is asking for
The petition 'We call upon the Senedd to reject any badger cull in Wales' has 24,737 signatures and is open. A petition to review the Special Procedures Licensing Scheme has 151 signatures.
Who ministers are meeting
Published ministerial meetings are mostly with farming bodies and events: the Royal Welsh Show and other agricultural shows, NFU Cymru, the Farmers' Union of Wales, young farmers and the farming press. They also include the agricultural pollution review task and finish group and the UK Government's environment department.
In the Sixth Senedd (2021 to 2026)
From the previous Senedd's record, for issues that run across both. The rest of this analysis covers the Seventh Senedd only.
In the Sixth Senedd, farm support was debated mainly through the Sustainable Farming Scheme. In February 2024 the Conservatives and Plaid Cymru pressed the Labour Government amid farmer protests, and the Minister defended the Agriculture (Wales) Act. A round-table followed and the scheme's start moved to 2026. Bovine TB and agricultural property relief were also contested.
James Evans (Welsh Conservatives) cited the Government's impact assessment of 5,500 job losses. Lesley Griffiths (Welsh Labour) said the Agriculture (Wales) Act passed unanimously and rejected the Conservative approach. Contributions: [1][2]
Llyr Gruffydd (Plaid Cymru) said TB policy was going around in circles. Lesley Griffiths made a review of on-farm slaughter the first priority of the new technical advisory group. Contributions: [1][2]
Huw Irranca-Davies (Welsh Labour) set up a ministerial round-table. The scheme was then to be introduced in 2026, after a preparatory phase in 2025. Contributions: [1][2]
In November 2024, Delyth Jewell (Plaid Cymru) and James Evans (Welsh Conservatives) criticised UK Government changes to agricultural property relief as a threat to family farms. Contributions: [1][2]
Written by AI on 23 October 2026 from 186 contributions in the Senedd between 19 May 2026 and 19 October 2026, with the petitions and ministers' meetings on this brief. Each point links to the contributions it draws on; check them before quoting. How the analysis is written.
Where things stand
Statistics published by the Welsh Government. Each chart covers the years since the 2016 Senedd election, or as far back as the figures go, and marks each election since.
Total income from farming
£505 million
2025 (provisional)
A year earlier
£455 million(2024)
The income generated by farming in Wales each calendar year, including subsidies: business profits plus pay for work done by owners and other unpaid workers. In millions of pounds at current prices, not adjusted for inflation.
Farm income varies a lot from year to year with market conditions, so a change between two years should be read with care.
9 commitments in the Welsh Government's Programme for Government 2026 to 2030 fall under this brief, in the Programme's own words. Under each is how often it has been raised in the Seventh Senedd.
A stronger, more resilient rural Wales
Support the agriculture sector in Wales in a way that underpins the long‑term sustainability of farm businesses and protects the future of the Welsh family farm in a changing climate. We will evolve and refine the Sustainable Farming Scheme, in strong collaboration with the farming community, so that it supports a thriving agriculture sector to produce food while also progressively delivering key environmental outcomes.
Implement a new approach to managing nutrients across catchments, moving away from the “farming by calendar” approach and supporting farmers to reduce agricultural water pollution.
Raised in 29 speeches and 1 agenda item. Most recently on 19 October 2026, by Kate Rabaiotti. Matched on: “control of agricultural pollution”.
Introduce a new Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) Plan, taking a holistic approach to eradication that is evidence-based and science‑led, incorporating the 3 pillars of cattle, people and wildlife.
Raised in 19 speeches, 4 written questions and 1 petition. Most recently on 30 September 2026, by Vikki Howells. Matched on: “badgers”.
Legislate to require rural proofing of spending plans and policy programmes to ensure they are fully responsive to the needs of rural communities. Deliver a new comprehensive National Food Strategy.
Raised in 70 speeches. Most recently on 14 October 2026, by James Evans. Matched on: “food strategy”.
Examine options for extending permitted development rights for single dwellings and converting farm buildings for residential use to improve access to affordable housing in rural areas.
Raised in 3 speeches and 3 written questions. Most recently on 9 October 2026, in a written question from Darren Millar. Matched on: “permitted development”.
Community-led planning and a "made in Wales" approach to regional development
Replace the current fragmented and overlapping approaches to marine management by delivering a Marine Planning Framework, built on genuine co‑management with fishers, environmental, community and industry stakeholders.
Not raised in the Senedd in the Seventh Senedd so far.
Source: Welsh Government, Programme for government 2026 to 2030: New ambition for Wales, first published on 10 September 2026. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Mentions are found by matching the names of plans, bodies and schemes; a mention says nothing about progress.
From the Welsh Government
The Welsh Government's latest press releases and Cabinet statements on this brief.
Farmers who are members of the Farm Assured Welsh Livestock (FAWL) scheme will not need to complete separate Animal Health Improvement Cycle (AHIC) ‘measure’ and ‘plan’ requirements for the 2026 Sustainable Farming…
The Welsh Government has today announced measures, including legislation, to help farmers manage the impacts of this summer's drought, wildfires and other pressures on the sector.
In the news
The latest headlines on this brief, linking to each outlet's story.
Each bar is the share of that party's speeches and questions in the Seventh Senedd that touched this brief, so large and small parties can be compared. The upright line marks the chamber as a whole: 4.3%.
Ministers' meetings with outside organisations and their engagements on this brief, from the register the Welsh Government publishes every three months. 83 since the 2026 election; the latest:
30 September 2026
Celebrating Animal Welfare in Wales Event
Meeting, Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
24 September 2026
Tenants Farmers Association
Meeting, Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
23 September 2026
NFU Cymru Celebration of Welsh Food & Farming
Meeting, Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
23 September 2026
NFU Cymru Celebration of Food & Farming Event
Meeting, Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
8 September 2026
Meeting with DEFRA - Secretary of State for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs
Meeting, Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
18 August 2026
Welsh Marine and Fisheries Scheme
Meeting, Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
11 August 2026
Anglesey Show - Lunch with Anglesey Agricultural Society
Meeting, Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
11 August 2026
Anglesey Show - Lunch with Anglesey Agricultural Society
Members whose entries in the Register of Members' Interests relate to this brief, matched by the brief's words and phrases. Members must register these interests, and having one doesn't mean anything improper.
Remunerated Employment, Directorships etc.: Member Name and nature of the employer: TJ Davies & Sons Nature of the post: Partnership family farming business Nature and source of public funds received: In receipt of farm…
Voluntary record of Members’ other interests: Name of club or society: National Farmers’ Union Position held: Member
Voluntary record of Members’ other interests: Name of club or society: Glamorgan Young Farmers Position held: Member
Remunerated Employment, Directorships etc.: Member Name and nature of the employer: Emery Farm Estates Limited, property investment Nature of the post: Director Amount of remuneration received: Band 5: between £2501 - £5000…
Remunerated Employment, Directorships etc.: Member Name and nature of the employer: - BHNW (Christie Fields Ltd.) - EFE Bridge Street Ltd. - Emery Properties Ltd. - Emery Developments Ltd. - Emery Investments Ltd. - Gordon…
Remunerated Employment, Directorships etc.: Member and dependent children Name and nature of the employer: Emery Farm Estates Limited, property investment Nature of the post: Trustee/potential beneficiary Amount of…
Voluntary record of Members’ other interests: Information relevant to entry: Royal Welsh Agricultural Society - Member
Voluntary record of Members’ other interests: Information relevant to entry: Breconshire Agricultural Society – Vice President
Voluntary record of Members’ other interests: Information relevant to entry: Close family members operate a farm, where I regularly assist on a voluntary and unpaid basis. My wife’s parents are also sheep and beef farmers.
Voluntary record of Members’ other interests: Information relevant to entry: Member and wife - members of Clynderwen and District Young Farmers Show Society
Voluntary record of Members’ other interests: Information relevant to entry: Member and wife- members of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society
Remunerated Employment, Directorships etc.: Member Name and nature of the employer: P.A & J Fox - Farming Business Nature of the post: Partner Nature and source of public funds received: Business receives public funding…
Remunerated Employment, Directorships etc.: Member Name and nature of the employer: Farming Business Nature of the post: Owner Nature and source of public funds received: Welsh Government subsidy Amount of remuneration…
Land and Property: Member Land or property being registered upon account of it: having a substantial value of more than £76,380. Nature of the property: Agricultural land General location: Near…
Land and Property: Member and partner Land or property being registered upon account of it: having a substantial value of more than £76,380. Nature of the property: 10 acres of agricultural land…
Spring and summer 2026 have been exceptionally hot and dry in Wales. This weather can affect everything from health to agriculture. Climate change is amplifying this extreme weather, making it more common and intense.
Priorities for rural land use are likely to be a policy battleground. Farming, conservation, forestry, public access and energy generation are just some of the issues policymakers will need to address in the Seventh Senedd.
Contributions tagged in each month of the Seventh Senedd. No sittings were held in August 2026.Show the numbers
Month
Contributions
May 2026
7
June 2026
116
July 2026
55
August 2026
No sittings
September 2026
114
October 2026
124
How this brief is put together
This brief follows the Programme commitments listed above and tags the record with the phrases below. Keyword matching can miss business that discusses the issue in other words, and can tag a passing mention.
Show the phrases it uses
A contribution is tagged when its English text contains one of these phrases. Capital letters don't matter, except in abbreviations, which must match exactly. It is also tagged when the title of the agenda item or question it was part of contains one, as long as the contribution is at least 30 words long. The brief is also tagged whenever one of its themes is.
