5. What steps is the Welsh Government taking to support agriculture in Monmouth? OAQ52302

Thank you. The Welsh Government will support the farming industry in Monmouthshire, as in all parts of Wales, to become more profitable, sustainable, resilient, and professionally managed. Agricultural businesses in the region benefit from Farming Connect support and are eligible for a range of grants and advice.

Diolch. I wonder if you could update us on your policies for tackling the ongoing problem of bovine tuberculosis in my area and, indeed, across Wales. Farmers in Monmouthshire continue to be deeply concerned at the rates of infection in what is a hotspot area and has been now for some time. I'm sure you'd agree with me that it's one thing to deal with the rates of infection within livestock—that's got to be done—but also within the wider wildlife reservoir and in the wider environment as well. So, I wonder if you could update us on exactly what's happening in hotspot areas like mine to make sure that this problem is either dealt with, or at least that farmers are given reassurance that we are on track to deal with it in the near future.

Well, we are making progress with this right across Wales. You will have seen the statistics have been published today. I think it's now about 95 per cent of herds across Wales that are TB free. As you say, the county of Monmouthshire does sit within what we classify as the high TB area (east), so we are currently monitoring it very closely. Again, you'll be aware of the refreshed programme I brought forward, and I have committed to report to the Assembly on an annual basis, and will be doing so.

Question 6 [OAQ52299] is withdrawn, therefore question 7—Mohammad Asghar.