2. What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact of the recent outline trade agreement between the UK Government and Australia on North Wales beef and lamb farmers? OQ56634

Thank you. We've worked closely with industry stakeholders to identify any potential impacts on the Welsh agricultural sector. This work underpinned our representations to the UK Government, stating any trade deal must not disadvantage Welsh farmers or compromise our high standards.

Thank you for that answer, Minister. The in-principle agreement of a new free trade deal with Australia, announced by the UK Government, fails British farmers in the same way it has failed the British fishing industry. It would allow Australia to increase its beef export to the UK by more than 60 times the 2020 levels in the first year, before any tariffs would kick in. This sets a very dangerous precedent for further trade deals with countries such as the US and Canada. And I know that farmers across the North Wales region that I represent are deeply concerned by this.

The deal also threatens food standards, animal welfare regulation and environmental protections, on top of astronomical food miles, which we should be working to reduce in light of the climate emergency. It is vital that produce from Australia is clearly labelled, so we as consumers can make informed choices about the food we buy and the repercussions. What representations has the Welsh Government made to the UK Government on this matter, calling for protections for Welsh farmers and the industry standards we have at present? Thank you. Diolch.

Thank you. Welsh Government officials have worked very closely with our industry stakeholders and other devolved administrations so that we've been able to assess the potential impacts from all ongoing trade negotiations, and obviously that includes the agreement with Australia. I have to say, the entire five years since the European Union referendum, back in June 2016, we have made these points repeatedly and very clear representations to the UK Government for appropriate agricultural safeguards, so that we don't have that very unlevel playing field going forward. I don't think the UK Government were in any doubt about our view regarding the importance of retaining tariffs and quotas on our very sensitive agricultural goods, such as lamb and beef. I've also repeatedly highlighted to the UK Government how this deal could set a precedent. I think you make a very important point: it's not just about the Australia deal, it's about the other trade deals too.

In relation to your question around standards, again, we don't want our very high standards to be undermined by countries that might not have the same high standards as ours. I attend an inter-ministerial group with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and other devolved administrations. We've held them probably every six weeks through the last term of Government. The next one now is next Monday—this will be the first one of this term—and we'll be able to reiterate that. If it's taken into account, we will see.

On labelling, again, I think that's really important, because people really understand about provenance now, and they want to know where their food is coming from. So, it's very important that any Australian meat should be clearly labelled at sale, so that people can make those decisions and that it can be distinguished from higher standard produce that will also be on the shelves.

I did find it interesting that, on a recent visit to a farm with the National Farmers Union and a number of farmers, their significant concerns were not trade agreements but actually areas that you, Minister, have control of, such as nitrate vulnerable zones and the growing threat that TB is posing to their livestock and, therefore, their livelihoods. But that aside, in light of the opportunities that this and future trade deals provide, what additional efforts are you making to promote Welsh beef and lamb overseas?

So, the Welsh Government have provided significant funding to Hybu Cig Cymru. We've worked very closely with them to ensure that we are able to promote our beef and lamb right around the world. Clearly, since the COVID-19 pandemic, we haven't been able to undertake the number of trade visits that we would normally do, although we have done some virtual ones. But, hopefully, we'll be able to continue those trade visits going forward, as we're able to travel. 

Again, we work very closely with other stakeholders to do that, and we also—. You may have heard me say in an earlier answer to Rhun ap Iorwerth that, later this year, we will be holding the unfortunately postponed Blas Cymru. That attracts literally millions of pounds, and Welsh lamb and Welsh beef will be very prominent there too.