14. The Agricultural Support (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) (EU Exit) Regulations 2021

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:59 pm on 23 March 2021.

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Photo of Llyr Gruffydd Llyr Gruffydd Plaid Cymru 6:59, 23 March 2021

(Translated)

Plaid Cymru will be supporting these regulations, of course, and whilst they are quite technical in nature, I think it is important that there is continued support available for Welsh farmers post Brexit and the common agricultural policy, and these regulations will provide some assurances in that regard. I'm pleased that the Government has reconsidered its position on support for young farmers. I think that's very important and, of course, we need more than just that, but it is a positive development. 

I would be eager—and I've tried to raise this is in the past with the Minister and I've not necessarily had a specific response to this point. But we know, of course, that commitments were made that not a penny less would be paid or would be available for us to support farmers post Brexit. Now, we saw how the Conservative Government in Westminster cut £137 million from that budget immediately and broke every pledge that was made prior to that. But, of course, there is a part of that deal the Welsh Government will have to acknowledge, namely the domestic co-financing that the Welsh Government would have provided to the RDP for 2021-27. And I would ask the Government to make it clear that it is the Welsh Government's intention to continue with that commitment come what may. I think that would be something that we should be making clear, so I will ask the Minister to respond to that.

But, as this is perhaps my final opportunity to formally reply to the Minister in this Senedd, I want to thank her for her work. We haven't agreed on all occasions, and I am convinced that where we want to get to is very similar, but perhaps we disagree on the direction of travel, and that's what we've done over recent times. But, certainly, despite any disagreements we may have had, she has engaged with me as a shadow Minister in a very fair and friendly manner, and for that I want to say thank you.