Questions Without Notice from Party Spokespeople

Part of 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs – in the Senedd at 1:41 pm on 3 October 2018.

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Photo of Llyr Gruffydd Llyr Gruffydd Plaid Cymru 1:41, 3 October 2018

I'm not doubting when you tell us that your policy is Welsh Labour policy, but I'm telling you that it's also UK Tory policy, which clearly is rather uncomfortable for you and your backbench Members, I'm sure. Now, as well as removing the safety net that I have referred to for Welsh farmers in these turbulent times of Brexit, under your proposals, of course, funding will now become—or is proposed to be—open to all land managers, rather than applying just to active farmers. Now this, of course, will siphon investment away from farming families when we know that every pound that's invested in a farm generates £7 to the rural economy. We could now see, under your proposals, banking institutions, pension funds and other inactive farmers—who make no contribution, frankly, to the local economy or community—benefit from Labour's proposals and the Tory UK proposals as well. Now, Plaid Cymru believes that any new system post Brexit must direct support to active farmers, rather than rewarding land ownership in itself. So, will you reconsider this proposal and ensure that support to Welsh farming is targeted at those active farmers, who are the ones who are taking the financial risk associated with producing our food?