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 , 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 . 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.
