, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Ministerial Scrutiny - Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
Yes. I've said before, we didn't have the engagement with farmers that we would have wanted to have, which is really important, particularly around the development of the scheme, in relation to the pandemic. And as I say, the big issue at the moment…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Ministerial Scrutiny - Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
Yes. So, I can't give you an exact date because, whilst we are at an advanced stage of development of the Bill, and you'll be aware of the three consultations we've already had and the introduction of the White Paper, for instance, we are currently in…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
Ministerial Scrutiny - Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
Yes. Bore da, pawb. Morning, everyone. I'm Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd, and I'm joined by Christianne Glossop, who is our Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, and Tim Render, who is director of rural affairs.
, Plenary
Business Statement and Announcement
Thank you. Joyce Watson raises a very important point, and I'm sure there are many of us in the Chamber, myself included, who've received correspondence from constituents around this very important issue. Not only can you not get a price, you can't get a…
, Plenary
Business Statement and Announcement
Thank you. Well, I know the Minister for Health and Social Services, who, as you say, is in the Chamber and heard your request, is monitoring the situation very closely. I think it's fair to say you've put significant additional funding in and it's obviously…
, Plenary
Business Statement and Announcement
Thank you, and I do think it is a very important issue, and you'll be aware that the Minister for Finance and Local Government acted very quickly to enter into discussions with local government around pension funds, in the way that you referred to. The…
, Plenary
Business Statement and Announcement
Thank you. Well, the Minister for Economy does work very closely, obviously, with all the regions around the bids that you describe. I don't think it's possible to bring forward a statement in the next few weeks, but I'll certainly look to see if there is…
, Plenary
Business Statement and Announcement
No, I'm pleased that you did it—you didn't last week.
, Plenary
Business Statement and Announcement
Thank you. You will be aware that the Minister for Climate Change issued a written statement—I think it was at the end of last month—confirming the appointment of surveyors and technical experts to undertake survey work in respect of the 248 expressions of…
, Plenary
Business Statement and Announcement
Well, you will be aware that, throughout the pandemic, and certainly when the vaccine became available, there were many vaccination centres right across Wales. And as we go into the spring, and we see what boosters will be required, and, indeed, whether…
, Plenary
Business Statement and Announcement
Well, thank you. Of course, we absolutely agree that eight hours is not an acceptable length of time, and I know the Minister for Health and Social Services of course takes such incidents very seriously. As you say, there has been a consultation within the…
, Plenary
Business Statement and Announcement
Diolch, Llywydd. There are three changes to this week's business. Today's oral statement on the development of the net zero consistent UK trade emissions trading scheme has been withdrawn. The Deputy Minister for Climate Change will deliver the oral statement…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
Diolch, Llywydd.
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
Thank you. I think the work of community-supported farms absolutely provides tangible benefits to many people's lives, and it's really important that if we can support them and, if they want to meet our aims, that we're able to do so. The public money for…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
The Welsh Government is committed to a sustainable agricultural sector and food chain that helps to underpin the wider rural economy. Support is available for community-supported agriculture through the Welsh Government rural communities rural development…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
I think the Member makes a very important point: the agricultural sector has and is facing a very uncertain time because of leaving the European Union, because of the cumulative impacts of free trade agreements. You mentioned Australia particularly, which…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
The sustainable farming scheme will reward active farmers who take actions to meet the challenges of the climate and nature emergencies alongside the sustainable production of food. I intend to publish an outline of the proposed sustainable farming scheme…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
We did look at that piece of legislation, and certainly in discussions I've had with Peter Fox—because, as you know, I didn't support Peter's Bill, however we are bringing forward the community food strategy. So, I think Peter has got some really good ideas…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
I think I've been here for the same amount of time, so I'm saying nothing. [Laughter.]
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
You took me back a couple of years then to some sleepless nights around the food boxes at the start of the COVID pandemic. It was a great piece of work, and I certainly do pay tribute to Ceredigion council. They were tenacious in making sure that they used…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
I've had discussions with Cabinet colleagues and continue to work with local authorities and health boards to ensure food and drink sourced from local suppliers is available in schools, hospitals and care homes.
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
Thank you. Well, you'll be aware that many organisations, not just within my portfolio, suffered due to the pandemic, and we did all we could to support them, particularly financially. I've been very fortunate to visit many charities and organisations and…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
Thank you. So, in relation to the final part of your question, there is no role for granting powers to the RSPCA under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. That is something that I'm looking at alongside other animal health and welfare issues. In relation to your…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
Thank you. Partnership working is a key principle of our Wales animal health and welfare framework. The Welsh Government works collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including animal keepers, local authorities and delivery agencies to raise…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
Thank you. Well, as we are already in the middle of a climate and nature emergency, you're quite right that we don't have time to play with. So, I wouldn't want people to think we were just waiting for the sustainable farming scheme to come in relation to…
