Bob Parry led the FUW for 12 years

Previous attempts to join the National Farmers Union (NFU) and the FUW have failed.

But now Bob Parry, who stood down from leading the FUW in June, has called for discussions to start straight away.

The two unions have been competing since 1955, when the FUW split from the NFU.

But there is a growing feeling that, with the number of farmers declining, a single union may be able to do more for its members.

Mr Parry said that the two present unions should be dissolved and a new union be formed to represent the interests of farmers.

I believe it will happen, but it is not something that will happen overnight Bob Parry

"By bringing all the talent that you have got in the two unions together, you would have a much stronger union in Wales than you have got in the rest of the UK," he said.

"Farming numbers are going down at a very very high rate - in a number of years there won't be an option to join together.

"They should join while both unions are strong and are in a negotiating position.

"I believe it will happen, but it is not something that will happen overnight."

Mr Parry said that the two unions had worked very closely together through the recent BSE and foot-and-mouth crises.

He added that NFU Cymru had started developing its own Welsh policies, meaning it has come more directly in competition with the FUW.

The president of NFU Cymru Peredur Hughes has said he is more than willing to discuss the possibility.

However, the final decision about any merger will rest with ordinary union members.

Mr Parry, who had led the FUW for 12 years, was succeeded as president by Gareth Vaughan, 61, who farms in Dolfor, near Newtown, in mid Wales, earlier this year.