Pwyllgor yr Economi, Masnach a Materion Gwledig

Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee

18/03/2026

Aelodau'r Pwyllgor a oedd yn bresennol

Committee Members in Attendance

Alun Davies
Andrew R.T. Davies Cadeirydd y Pwyllgor
Committee Chair
Hannah Blythyn
Jenny Rathbone
Luke Fletcher
Samuel Kurtz

Swyddogion y Senedd a oedd yn bresennol

Senedd Officials in Attendance

Aled Evans Cynghorydd Cyfreithiol
Legal Adviser
Ben Stokes Ymchwilydd
Researcher
Gareth David Thomas Ymchwilydd
Researcher
Lucy Yarham Ymchwilydd
Researcher
Nicole Haylor-Mott Dirprwy Glerc
Deputy Clerk
Rachael Davies Ail Glerc
Second Clerk
Robert Donovan Clerc
Clerk
Sara Moran Ymchwilydd
Researcher

Cofnodir y trafodion yn yr iaith y llefarwyd hwy ynddi yn y pwyllgor. Yn ogystal, cynhwysir trawsgrifiad o’r cyfieithu ar y pryd. Lle mae cyfranwyr wedi darparu cywiriadau i’w tystiolaeth, nodir y rheini yn y trawsgrifiad.

The proceedings are reported in the language in which they were spoken in the committee. In addition, a transcription of the simultaneous interpretation is included. Where contributors have supplied corrections to their evidence, these are noted in the transcript.

Cyfarfu’r pwyllgor yn y Senedd a thrwy gynhadledd fideo.

Dechreuodd y cyfarfod am 09:30.

The committee met in the Senedd and by video-conference.

The meeting began at 09:30.

1. Cyflwyniadau, ymddiheuriadau, dirprwyon a datgan buddiannau
1. Introductions, apologies, substitutions, and declarations of interest

Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee. This was due to be our last meeting, but we do have another meeting pencilled in for next week. It's a short public meeting this morning and then we move into private session to discuss our legacy report. We don't have any apologies; I see all Members are present. Any declarations of interest? No declarations of interest. Obviously, translation facilities are available for those viewing and those Members who wish to use the medium of Welsh or English and to be translated instantaneously. 

2. Papurau i'w nodi
2. Papers to note

I draw Members' attention to the papers to note. Any comments on the papers to note? 

Can I just say a brief word on the Welsh Government response to the report on food processing? I thought it was a very disappointing response, particularly its response to recommendation 1, which I thought was a very straightforward, comprehensive recommendation. For it to be rejected with an explanation but little reasoning, I thought was a really disappointing outcome.

I think we'd all concur with that. I don't want to put words in Members' mouths, but as you say, it was a pretty straightforward recommendation and it didn't really get the response it deserved. Given, obviously, next week is our final meeting, there's not a lot we can really do about it, but the point is noted, Alun, and could be addressed through the legacy report and the issues that we carry on to the next committee.

And the other point, Chair, just on that. Your challenge to the Deputy First Minister on the target of 75 per cent, there was no suggestion of an alternative target, despite them rejecting that recommendation, recommendation 3, which was disappointing.

I think Jenny wants to come in.

Yes, I would agree with what Sam and Alun have just said, and I just think the next Government is absolutely going to have to have an overarching strategy on this. There are lots of good things going on, but it needs pulling together.

Okay, those points are noted, and obviously will be recorded for the next committee to pick up on and the next Government to pick up on.

3. Cynnig o dan Reol Sefydlog Rhif 17.42(vi) i benderfynu gwahardd y cyhoedd o weddill y cyfarfod
3. Motion under Standing Order 17.42(vi) to resolve to exclude the public from the remainder of the meeting

Cynnig:

bod y pwyllgor yn penderfynu gwahardd y cyhoedd o weddill y cyfarfod yn unol â Rheol Sefydlog 17.42(vi).

Motion:

that the committee resolves to exclude the public from the remainder of the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 17.42(vi).

Cynigiwyd y cynnig.

Motion moved.

Could I have a motion to move into private session for the remainder of the meeting, please?

Proposed. Seconded. We'll move into private session, then, please. 

Derbyniwyd y cynnig.

Daeth rhan gyhoeddus y cyfarfod i ben am 09:32.

Motion agreed.

The public part of the meeting ended at 09:32.