Welsh-language Family Farms

Part of 2. Questions to the Minister for Education and Welsh Language – in the Senedd at 2:29 pm on 6 October 2021.

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Photo of Jeremy Miles Jeremy Miles Labour 2:29, 6 October 2021

(Translated)

Well, the change in the rural economy, of course, is a crucial element in language policy development, so these things are under constant overview. Now, I didn't hear the answer of the Minister for Climate Change, but it's not clear what the scale of the problem is, and we don't want it to become a major problem; we want to work with farmers to ensure that it doesn't become a problem. In terms of the evaluation that we've already carried out of the policy, then there seems to be little evidence at the moment in terms of a change in land ownership to developers. Out of over 1,100 customers, 35 customers have addresses outwith Wales. We've looked at where these proposals are coming from, and 17 of the 35 projects funded through the Welsh woodland grant scheme are under 6 hectares, so it's unlikely, under those circumstances, that those represent large developers who are looking to turn large pieces of land into woodland. But, as I said earlier, it's important that we keep an eye on this and, if evidence develops that it is a problem, then that is where we will take action.