Llyr Gruffydd MS, Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
I wish to provide Members of the Senedd with a summary of Welsh Government announcements made during the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show.
I announced a commitment of over £1billion over three years to confirm a multi-year funding cycle for the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS). As part of this, I confirmed £238 million per year for the Universal layer of the Scheme, which means £102 million for delivering the Optional and Collaborative layers.
On 21 July I announced that Simon Wright, an experienced champion of the Welsh food and drink industry, will lead an expert group who will develop a new National Food Strategy for Wales.
On 22 July I published a Rural Proofing and Environmental Sustainability White Paper consultation, which included proposals for a new statutory duty on rural proofing.
During the Show, I also announced progress on the review of bureaucratic burden on family farms led by John Davies. I am grateful for his initial views and, as a result, we will simplify the approach for the Animal Health Improvement Cycle (AHIC) in the Universal Layer of the SFS.
This means that all four 100 day commitments on food, farming and rural communities have been met.
In addition I announced the opening of a Small Woodland Creation Grant application window on 20 July, and application windows opening week commencing 27 July for Organic Conversion support, plus a ‘Capital: production and efficiency’ window to provide support towards the costs of equipment designed to reduce waste and improve efficiency on farm.
This year’s Show again showcased the very best of rural Wales. I would like to congratulate the show organisers, exhibitors and all others who contributed to the Show’s success.
This statement is being issued during recess to keep Members informed. Should Members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.