Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I know the Minister for Economy has had discussions with the UK Government around free ports. I think it was a difficult start, I think it's fair to say, but, as you know, I think it was 1 September when we did launch our free port programme in Wales with the UK Government. I think it's really important for us to reimagine the role of ports in the future of the Welsh economy....
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I have had regular conversations with the Minister for Economy regarding the former Anglesey Aluminium site in Holyhead. I'm sure the Member's aware that details of the sale of the site have recently been made public, and that it is good news for north Wales.
Lesley Griffiths: So, I don't think there is a flaw. I think it's a complementary agenda. So, it is really important that our farmers produce food sustainably, and they do that, and they will be rewarded for that; it's absolutely right. The 10 per cent tree cover that we're asking for on every farm is to share the load across Wales. If farmers don't want to plant trees, they don't have to plant trees, but, for...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I think you make a very important point. Certainly during the first lockdown and then the subsequent lockdown, but then during the pandemic, really, I think many people for the first time bought from their local butchers, their local market, and, as you say, a lot of our food and drink producers found new ways of selling their produce locally. It’s the season of food...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. The Welsh Government provides substantial investment and support for the food industry. Our food trade programme is securing new Welsh product orders in retailers, and new public procurement guidance will prioritise wider socioeconomic benefits. Our free school meals policy will also open opportunities for local suppliers and producers.
Lesley Griffiths: Well, we are doing a great deal to ensure that's the case. I absolutely agree with you that it shouldn't always be about the cheapest; there is a social value, and you'll be aware, as you say, of what we are doing in relation to procurement to ensure that happens. I don't disagree with a lot that's in Peter Fox's food Bill, as he knows. I think a lot of that we can do without legislation, and...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I don't disagree with anything that you say. I think you're right; the figure I've heard from some farmers is 30 per cent, so I think you're quite right to say that, probably, 23.5 per cent is low. It is a very uncertain and worrying time for our farmers, and I absolutely recognise that. I have tried to provide some certainty for them with the continuation of the basic payment...
Lesley Griffiths: Well, this is certainly something I've been looking into since I was made aware of this. Obviously, we do need to plant more trees; we know that, and I'm sure you will agree with that. Net Zero Wales did set out a target of planting 43,000 hectares of new woodland by 2030, and we're looking to do that as part of our national forest for Wales. Obviously, as part of the sustainable farming...
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. The food system operates at a UK-wide level, and the Welsh Government works with the UK Government and other devolved administrations to identify risks, and engages with stakeholders to manage them. In Wales, we promote security through investment in the food manufacturing industry, supporting agriculture and providing significant support to a wide variety of community projects.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. Yes, we certainly would not want to see a drop in people approaching this service. You may be aware, I've recently established a technical advisory group to help with holistic support for the TB programme, and I've appointed Professor Glyn Hewinson, who I'm sure is known to you, to lead this work. It's a holistic approach to our TB programme, to the support we offer. You'll be...
Lesley Griffiths: I don't think it's the earpiece, because that wasn't on the stand.
Lesley Griffiths: Apologies.
Lesley Griffiths: That's fine.
Lesley Griffiths: I'm sorry, Presiding Officer, I'm having issues; I've got a horrendous crackle on my feed and I cannot hear.
Lesley Griffiths: It could be.
Lesley Griffiths: Sorry. Or can I listen somewhere else?
Lesley Griffiths: Sorry.
Lesley Griffiths: Thank you. I'll pick up on that point first. As you say, it's just come back into my portfolio last week. I have asked for a meeting with Natural Resources Wales. On the work that the Minister for Climate Change had undertaken with NRW, I know that significant resources have been given in relation to ensuring that we do have that national park. Obviously, it was a manifesto commitment of my...
Lesley Griffiths: They haven't approached me for a meeting. Obviously, businesses perhaps have discussed it with the relevant Minister rather than with me, who's got the overall responsibility for north Wales. As I say, some businesses did raise it with me—both for and against it—and I said I will take their comments back to the Minister for Finance and Local Government. I'd be very happy if Go North Wales...
Lesley Griffiths: I haven't held any specific discussions with any areas of the tourism industry in north Wales. I have to say, over the summer, a few of the organisations and businesses that I did meet—I spent time in each local authority area, and they chose who I met with—some people did raise the visitor levy with me. I haven't had any specific discussions, but, obviously, I passed on concerns, and...
