Part of 2. Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd – in the Senedd at 2:46 pm on 17 November 2021.
Good afternoon, Minister. May I thank Sam Rowlands for bringing this question forward. Farmers, as we know, have a significant contribution to make to Wales's efforts to tackle the climate and nature crisis, and many have already, in this Siambr, indicated the solutions farmers can bring in achieving net zero. I know as well that the sector is keen to work with Government to shape future agricultural policy to ensure that we can meet our need for food security, a thriving planet, resilient communities, and a successful agriculture and food sector. As we've already heard today, we were all concerned to read last week of a farmer in Powys, in the region I represent, reportedly being fined £15,000 for variation on the plans agreed under the Glastir woodland creation scheme. And I know you've already responded to Sam Kurtz, and I recognise that you are not able to comment on ongoing appeals, but I was hoping that you could shine a light on what the Government has learnt from Glastir and how that learning will be used to inform the Government's future agricultural policy and funding arrangements in the year ahead.