Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:54 pm on 18 January 2022.
Thank you very much, Deputy Llywydd, and thank you to the Minister for bringing this statement forward this afternoon. Everyone, of course, is aware that food producers in Wales provide produce of the highest quality, and it's good to see that this is being exhibited through BlasCymru/TasteWales.
But there are challenges facing the food sector. If we are to continue to see the highest quality produce here, then we need to deal with the many uncertainties facing the various strata within the food sector, from farm to plate. So, we need to look closer to the eye of the storm if we want to ensure the feasibility of the sector as a whole, and that means giving the right support to our farmers and fishers. I'm pleased the collaboration agreement between Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Government will secure payments for farmers in the mid to long term, but, in the short term, will the Minister outline the latest situation in terms of basic payments, as was outlined in the draft budget, and what assurances can she give in light of cuts to agricultural funding from Westminster? Likewise, we have a golden opportunity to develop our seafood sector. In the light of the lack of specific strategy from the Government, will the Minister listen to the sector and publish a plan in order to secure the growth of the seafood sector, since seafood plays a central part in our provision of Welsh foods?
Now, I want to move on to talk about the designation of our products. Minister, you've already mentioned this. We know that most people who see products branded as 'made in Wales' consider such produce to be of the highest quality. The Government at the other end of the M4 has started their own designations following Brexit. I would like to know what work the Welsh Government has done to measure the value of this new designation and how much consultation there has been between the two Governments on the designation.
Of course, in order to be true to designations, then as much of the process of developing produce as possible should stay in Wales, but there is a fundamental weakness here, namely the lack of processing capacity for food. Not only have milk processing plants closed, our abattoirs are under stress, and fish are being exported to be prepared for market, but many of the final steps of preparations are also outside of our communities here in Wales. There are many micro, kitchen table industries, for example, working hard to prepare excellent food and drink, and we must recognise the work of Cywain here. But the fact remains that we need substantial support in order to develop our processing capacity here in Wales and to enable as much of the process as possible to remain here in Wales and bring economic benefits to our communities. So, what steps is the Government taking to ensure that job opportunities are created as part of any strategy to develop the food and drink sector and to promote our produce for young people who want to come into this sector?
And, Minister, you did mention cross-departmental working. Have there been any discussions on a cross-Governmental basis, with the economy Minister, for example, to see how this can dovetail with other plans, such as the young people's guarantee? Thank you very much.