6. Statement by the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:47 pm on 13 May 2020.

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Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour 5:47, 13 May 2020

Thank you, Angela, for your question around the support for Welsh vineyards, which I'll turn to in a second. When Mandy Jones asked me about the milk that had been poured away, you're quite right about foodbanks, and Welsh Government is looking to what we can do to support foodbanks. I know Hannah Blythyn, who leads on that, is doing a huge amount of work with the independent ones and with Trussell Trust and with FareShare. I know that we had milk poured away when one of the processors didn't collect the milk, and I absolutely agree with you: when we had these issues with Tomlinson's up in north-east Wales, I remember one farmer saying to me that it was one of the worst things that had ever happened to him in his career. So, I absolutely understand where you're coming from in relation to that.

In relation to vineyards, you're quite right; we're getting a growing reputation, I think, for Welsh wine, and I know a couple of weeks ago it was Welsh wine night, and it was great to see on social media so many people enjoying Welsh wine. We have already started to look at the range of support measures for businesses that they could apply to. I know some vineyards may be eligible for the non-domestic rate relief scheme. Again, it depends on certain criteria, and local authorities do have the power to provide discretionary relief to them if they are outside of the established NDR schemes. We also have published some additional criteria in relation to the economic resilience fund, and I know it has been paused at the moment. I mentioned in an earlier answer the significant number of applications we've had, but it could be that they will be eligible for that as well. But clearly, if I need to look at anything specifically, and as you say, in your area you have a significant—. I think there are about 15 vineyards in Wales, and you have a significant number of them in your constituency. But if you'd like to write to me, if there is any one that specifically wants to see if they can access some support, or maybe from the UK Government as well, I'd be very happy to look at that.