2. Will the First Minister make a statement on the role of alternative protein technology in achieving net zero? OQ57224

Llywydd, Wales needs a sustainable agricultural sector and food chains that work towards achieving net zero. Developing new technologies and creating alternative protein sources will contribute towards further reductions in our greenhouse gas emissions.

Thank you, First Minister. As you know, the land used globally to grow crops for Welsh consumption is equivalent to 40 per cent of the size of Wales, and one of the largest crops grown overseas for Welsh consumption is soy bean, which is used primarily by the Welsh poultry industry. As such, for Wales to change its farming practices so it doesn't contribute to deforestation overseas, we would need to be less reliant on soy animal feed from abroad. One of the ways in which this could be achieved is through the use of alternative protein, such as fly larvae, which extensive trials have shown to be more than a viable alternative to using soy to feed our poultry. Alternative protein, such as this, provides both climate solutions and opportunities for economic growth here in Wales and the UK, and research from the Farm Animal Investment Risk and Return investor network has found that alternative protein sources could make up to 64 per cent of the global protein market by 2050. First Minister, in your workings together to reach the Net Zero Wales plan 2021-25, there is no reference whatsoever to alternative proteins, which strongly indicates that you have either dismissed it outright, or have not even considered alternative proteins as a way of tackling the issues of imported animal feeds from deforested areas. Can you explain the reasons why this Government has chosen not to include alternative proteins as part of your reach net zero plan? Thank you.

Well, Llywydd, the Member was doing very well until the final part of his question, because he was making a series of very important points and pointing to opportunities that there are for us here in Wales. The need to develop alternative protein sources is necessary here in Wales, but is absolutely necessary around the globe. And here in Wales, we have active interests in plant-based alternatives, microbial alternatives, insect-based alternatives, lab-grown meat, cellular agriculture. All of those issues, Llywydd, were being discussed at Aberystwyth—the AberInnovation campus—when you and I were both there for its formal opening on 21 October. The biofermentation technology being developed at the centre is part of the future food centre, which is there in that part of Wales—there because of the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences and all the work that it has done over many years to promote alternatives in this sector.

The possibilities for Wales are particularly important, because our own agriculture has huge natural advantages, our climate provides for an abundant growth in grass and, therefore, for non-intensive, sustainable livestock farming. We can continue with that and have the confidence of knowing that those alternative protein technologies can be developed here in Wales alongside and in support of our existing agriculture. That's why it is such an exciting proposition for us in Wales. I agree with everything the Member said, up until his rather mean-spirited final contribution. The truth is, I'm sure, that there's a genuinely shared interest, across the Chamber, in making sure that we grasp these opportunities and put them to work for Wales.

Prif Weinidog, last night, I watched with my one-year-old daughter an episode of Peppa Pig, the cartoon that inspired the Prime Minister after a visit to a theme park. I'm not so much of a fan as the Prime Minister, but Peppa did have some wise words in last night's episode. [Laughter.] She said, 'There are two types of balloons in the world: balloons that go up and balloons that go down', and, if it's true about balloons, it's also true about political parties isn't it, Prime Minister. And I'd like to—

—congratulate you and Adam Price—

—on reaching the higher ground, the higher common ground, and I hope other parties will follow that, but I am sure others will try and pull it down later on in this session. 

The commitment to try and achieve net zero by 2035 is such an important part of the co-operation agreement between our parties, and technology will play a key role in doing that. You said in your written statement today that to reach net zero will require new thinking, research and innovation. In the nineteenth century, we led the way with the industrial revolution, and, rather than berate hard-working civil servants for not conceiving a cartoon pig, how can we all work together to achieve net zero by 2035 and make sure, by using that technology, that this time round it's not only in the hands of a few rich millionaires but is shared between the people of Wales? Diolch yn fawr. 

Thank you very much to Rhys for that question and for being in the vanguard in this field. 

I shared a platform with the Prime Minister at COP26. He devoted his address in a way which, I could not help but feel, left 40 international leaders in front of us slightly baffled on the importance of better mannered cows in addressing climate change. So, he clearly has a long-standing interest in the contribution of farmyard animals to political debate. [Laughter.] The importance, however, of the point that the Member makes is this: technologies are changing, as in the area identified in the original question. New possibilities will emerge. We want Wales always to be at the forefront and at the cutting edge of efforts made to achieve net-zero carbon. If we are able to bring forward the date from 2050, which is where the CCC tells us currently, with what we know today, is the possibility for Wales, of course we want to do that. And the work that will now go on against the new date will tell us where those new opportunities lie and whether it is possible to go even further and faster than we have been able up until now.