Questions Without Notice from Party Spokespeople

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs – in the Senedd at 2:28 pm on 16 December 2020.

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Photo of Janet Finch-Saunders Janet Finch-Saunders Conservative 2:28, 16 December 2020

Diolch, Llywydd. I have to say, in looking forward to the publication of the White Paper today, I do have to echo and endorse some of the comments by my colleague Llyr Gruffydd. These White Paper proposals fall short of providing the framework required to meet the principles and ambitions that our Welsh farmers deserve. We've all known the result of the Brexit vote, and, on the quick reading that I've had a chance to do on this today, it's not too clear that some of the previous consultations have added any weight to that, in terms of you taking those forward.

Our farms are the cornerstone of our rural communities, and are essential job creators, who safeguard historic and sustainable land management practices for generations to come. Despite your White Paper running to 74 pages, I'm astounded that you've only referenced the term 'employment' three times, and have only given a single cursory nod to jobs in the farming sector. This undermines the immense value that our farms bring to rural communities and regional economies. So, Minister, will you review your proposals to fully recognise the importance of the farming sector as an integral employer in rural areas, and will you look to further emphasise the very real value of the food production by our farmers in Wales?