1. What is the Welsh Government doing to support farmers in Pembrokeshire? OAQ(5)0088(FM)

The Welsh Government is working to support the farming industry in Pembrokeshire so that it becomes more profitable and sustainable, and, of course, to ensure that farmers make a profit ultimately.

First Minister, the decision to exit the European Union is going to have a major impact on the agricultural industry, and it’s important that Governments at all levels work together to support our farmers in the future. But there is huge concern among farmers in Pembrokeshire at present about the possibility of introducing a nitrate-vulnerable zone. Because of the decision taken by the people of Britain, and Wales, to leave the European Union, can you tell us where this leaves the consultation that your Government intended to introduce on nitrate-vulnerable zones and whether these plans are to proceed?

That’s ongoing, of course, bearing in mind that the environmental law that has been transposed into Welsh law will remain in place although the UK is to leave the European Union. It will then be an issue for the Welsh Government to decide which laws should be retained ultimately and which would not be retained.

Many farmers in Pembrokeshire and elsewhere in Wales have already diversified into tourism. Given the vote taken on the referendum—and Paul has already mentioned the fact that there is so much uncertainty among farmers now—will the Welsh Government do more to promote tourism and to encourage more farmers to go down that particular route?

It’s true to say that we’ve supported farmers in doing that over the past few years through schemes such as Farming Connect and through the rural development plan. It’s very important that we ensure that all means of making a profit are presented to farmers in order to ensure that their farms are more sustainable.

One of our best known agricultural products in Pembrokeshire, and part of these nitrate-vulnerable zones, is potatoes of course. Pembrokeshire earlies have protected geographical indication status under the current European regime, which allows farmers and producers to sell their produce as something that is unique from a particular area. From what I understand, PGI goes along with membership of the European Union. Does the Government have any plans or any intention to introduce something similar for Wales as we exit the European Union?

It will be crucially important, but it’s uncertain at the moment as to what the situation is. If PGI status were to be lost, that would be a blow not only to Pembrokeshire potatoes, but to lamb. The lamb export market is extremely important, and one of the things that ensures that we can sell across the world is that we can give a guarantee to purchasers that the lamb is from Wales and of the highest quality. The same is true of potatoes. So, if we were to lose that PGI and protected designation of origin status, then we would have to ensure that we would have an equal status in Wales so that buyers could have the same confidence in our produce.