Will the Commission make a statement on the reasons for the decision to withdraw the Assembly stand at this year's Royal Welsh Agricultural Show?
A decision to reconsider the nature of the Assembly’s presence was taken by the Assembly Commission in June 2018. The cost-benefit analysis and feedback from Committees suggested that space hired for the duration of the week in previous years provided very limited footfall and of those who visited the stand many were repeat customers. This is, therefore, the second year we have not paid for a stand at the Royal Welsh Show.
However, that does not mean that we have not had a presence. Since last year, a programme of partnership events has been developed on behalf of the Commission and interested committees. The programme allows us to build new relationships and provides an opportunity for Members to discuss issues affecting rural and agricultural stakeholders. For example, the Youth Parliament team has hosted a week-long presence in the Young Farmers pavilion since 2018 which has generated significant interest in its work. Our presence included Welsh Youth Parliament Members’ participation this year. In addition, we have held formal Committee meetings and panel discussions in partnership with S4C and ITV Wales. The Llywydd also hosts an annual reception, to which all Members and key stakeholders are invited.