What is the reasoning behind the Cabinet Secretary's open letter to farmers on 6 September 2018?
The open letter provided additional clarity on my proposals for agricultural reform set out in the ‘Brexit and Our Land’ consultation, which is open until 30 October. The letter emphasised the role of the Economic Resilience scheme in providing support for food-producing farmers.
I have regular discussions with my officials on how best to engage with stakeholders to help them understand our proposals and respond to the consultation and this, of course, included the open letter. I believe Welsh Government has a responsibility to explain its proposals and it is wholly appropriate to do so during the consultation period.
I and my officials meet Union representatives regularly, most recently at this season’s agricultural shows.