Further to the Minister's attendance at the inter-ministerial group for environment, food and rural affairs, held on 5 December, what discussions were held in relation to the poultry and egg sector, and any potential support for this sector?
I specifically requested poultry and the egg sector was on the agenda of the Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, held on 5 December. A combination of factors are at play, from avian influenza, high input costs and pressures within the supply chain. A Written Statement has been issued by the Minister for Climate Change, which is available on the Welsh Government website.
Defra arranged a roundtable meeting with primary producers, packers and retailers on the 6 December.
My officials monitor the position closely with counterparts across the UK via the UK Agriculture Market Monitoring Group (UKAMMG) and continue to stress the importance of collectively discussing the integrated supply chain issues with organisations which represent the agri-food supply chain.
I also wrote on the 15th December to Mark Spencer MP, Minister of State for Farming, Fisheries and Food, urging him to use powers under the Agriculture Act 2020 to consult with the industry to establish whether a legislative solution is required to address persistent issues in the relationships between primary producers, packers and buyers. I await his response.