FUW Insurance Services celebrate FUW 70th at Senedd
The Farmers’ Union of Wales celebrated its 70th anniversary with a special reception held at the Senedd on Tuesday, 2nd December 2025.
The event brought together FUW officials, politicians, farmers, and stakeholders to celebrate and reflect on seven decades of the Union standing strong for family farms across Wales.
The reception was part of a year-long series of events marking the FUW’s seven decades of advocacy for Welsh agriculture. It followed previous events at the Royal Welsh Show, the National Library of Wales, and county shows across the country.
Attendees had the opportunity to reflect on the Union’s history, its achievements, and the significant changes that have shaped farming in Wales over the past 70 years.
The event was chaired by Ann Beynon OBE, Chair of FUW Insurance Services Ltd, who warmly welcomed attendees and highlighted the Union’s steadfast commitment to protecting the interests of family farms. FUW President Ian Rickman delivered an address reflecting on the political, societal, and agricultural changes of the past seven decades. He also highlighted the fact that the Union has consistently championed the needs of family farms and rural communities throughout our 70 years of existence.
The event was sponsored by Elin Jones MS, Llywydd of the Senedd and Member of the Senedd for Ceredigion. In her address she paid tribute to her uncle, J.B. Evans, a key figure in the establishment of the FUW in Carmarthenshire in 1955, who went on to serve as the Union’s first General Secretary. She also reflected on her relationship with the FUW during her time as Minister for Rural Affairs between 2007 and 2011.
As part of the event, a wide array of historic documents from the Union’s history were on display, giving attendees a unique insight into the FUW’s founding, key milestones, and the evolution of Welsh agriculture over the past 70 years.
Reflecting on the event, FUW President Ian Rickman said:
“For 70 years, the Farmers’ Union of Wales has stood shoulder to shoulder with family farms across the country. From its humble beginnings in 1955, the Union has grown in strength and influence, consistently championing the needs of our family farms and rural communities.
Today is not only a celebration of our proud history but also a reaffirmation of our commitment to supporting Welsh agriculture and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.”
Ann Beynon OBE, Chair of FUW Insurance Services added:
“We are very grateful to Elin Jones MS for sponsoring this event, and to everyone who joined us in celebrating this milestone.
It is particularly fitting to host the event at the Senedd – not only as a testament to the FUW’s long-standing political lobbying on behalf of family farms, but also as Cardiff itself fittingly marks 70 years as our capital this year.
As Chair of FUW Insurance Services, I am proud to help lead a business that has grown hand in hand with the Union over the decades, supporting farmers, families, and communities through times of change, challenges, and exciting new opportunities for rural Wales.”