The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs has today reassured a key priority for the Welsh Government - to secure 'unfettered access' to the EU Single Market.
Many farmers have concerns that restricted EU market access would have an adverse effect on the industry.
The Cabinet Secretary, Lesley Griffiths, met with Wales’ next generation of farmers to answer questions on the prospects of the industry post–Brexit.
During a visit to Coleg Cambria’s Llysfasi campus, which specialises in agriculture and farm skill courses, Miss Griffiths agreed to take questions from the aspiring farmers about the future of the industry in Wales following the decision for the UK to leave the EU.
The Cabinet Secretary reassured the students a key priority for the Welsh Government is to secure unfettered access to the EU Single Market.
The subject of EU funding was also raised, with the Cabinet Secretary saying she would expect the UK Government to make good on the commitment made during the referendum campaign that Wales would 'not lose a penny' as a result of leaving the EU.
The Cabinet Secretary said: “As young farmers, they are the future of the industry and it is important their views on decisions which will affect them greatly are heard.
“Since the referendum I have been engaging with a wide range of stakeholders to identify the full implications exiting the EU will have on the farming, food and environment sectors. Leaving the EU provides us with the opportunity to create a new, made in Wales approach and it’s important we work together to achieve the best outcome possible for Wales."
