4. What arrangements are in place to support Welsh farmers through the European transition process? OQ55828

We continue to provide guidance and financial support to farmers through Farming Connect, through the sustainable production grant and the farm business grant. We are also engaging with DEFRA and the other devolved Governments on plans for supporting the sheep sector in the event of no trade agreement with the European Union.

Do you agree with me that it is essential for the export of magnificent Welsh lamb that we have a secure market, that we know as soon as possible that that market is there and, as you have said, is mostly in the European Union? And do you fear, as I do, that if we don't get lamb up front and centre of a deal, then less efficient markets in Italy, France and Spain will be serious competitors? So far, Welsh lamb has been very competitive against them, and those local markets could well come back.

I do agree with David Melding's concern and his analysis. Welsh lamb is one of our great exports and it's exported to the European Union because there is a good market for it there. It's a near market and it's a significant scale, so protecting that export is absolutely fundamental. We've been advocating that sort of position—and I know that he knows this—for a very long time, and have identified that as one of the key risks. I was genuinely dismayed to hear the comments of the UK Government in relation to the focus that Welsh farmers have placed on the EU market. They've done that for very good economic reasons. It's a big market on the doorstep, so it makes perfect sense to do it, and they've done it exceptionally successfully. I agree with him that if the UK Government doesn't reach a deal that protects their interests, others will fill the market opportunity that that will create.