The Agriculture (Wales) Bill

Part of 2. Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd – in the Senedd at 2:50 pm on 18 January 2023.

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Photo of Llyr Gruffydd Llyr Gruffydd Plaid Cymru 2:50, 18 January 2023

(Translated)

Yes, one thing that isn't implicit in what you just said is that one important measure, according to much of the evidence received by the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee, which has been scrutinising this Bill, is to what extent this Bill helps to protect family farms. When you have a network of family farms, you withstand the move to larger scale farming—which tends to be more intensive—which is better for the environment. You are more likely to keep the local pound local through family farms. It's also an important measure in terms of the viability of the Welsh language in those rural areas. So, do you, therefore, agree that the number of farms in Wales is an important barometer and that seeing a reduction in that number would be a signal of failure?