Welsh Government
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Farming, food and countryside helps to build a secure future for farmers in Wales

Minister for Rural Affairs, Elin Jones was at Penantigi Uchaf farm near Machynlleth on Thursday 14 May to launch her new over-arching strategy for farming in Wales.

‘Farming, Food & Countryside – Building a Secure Future’ outlines how the  Welsh Assembly Government will work to secure a sustainable future for the farming, food and land based production industries and the Welsh countryside environment through to 2020.

The Minister said:

“This important strategy sets out a clear vision of Welsh farming that is at the heart of a sustainable countryside and a profitable rural economy. It also sets out a vision of a sector that is able to meet challenges and maximise opportunities in an increasingly volatile economy.”

The strategy has been developed through an extensive consultation process and with input from a specially established stakeholder group representing all sectors and interests in rural Wales.

The Minister praised the work of the stakeholder group. She said:

“I am indebted to the members of the group for their hard work and contribution to this strategy. The vision laid out in the document of what the future of rural Wales should be is one that is supported by all members of the group and I believe this is key to the success of the strategy.”

The five key aims of the strategy are:

  • Connecting to the marketplace
  • Producing sustainably and profitably
  • Safeguarding animal health and welfare, plant health and food safety
  • Sustaining our countryside
  • Encouraging innovation.

Speaking about her aspirations for farming in Wales, the Minister said;

“Continuing Wales’ role as a food producing country is central to the strategy. The future must include adaptation to market and environmental pressures whilst ensuring we play our role in meeting the food demands of an increasing global population. It is my firm belief that the future for the farming economy, countryside and communities of rural Wales can be both profitable and sustainable.

"The challenges ahead are significant but the opportunities are many. Through committed partnership I am confident that the farming industry in Wales has a bright future.”

Related Links

http://wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/farmingandcountryside/?lang=en

http://wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/foodandfisheries/?lang=en

http://wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/consmanagement/?lang=en

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