Will the Minister confirm whether domestic food production in itself is viewed by the Welsh Government as an insufficient return on investment for the Welsh taxpayer, in light of comments by the First Minister on 19 February in his statements regarding the sustainable farming scheme?
Answered by Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd | Answered on 22/02/2024
We would not invest in domestic food production if we did not think it worthwhile. Welsh Government has a long standing, strong track record of investing in the Welsh agri-food industry. In 2023-24 £238million was allocated to farm businesses through the Basic Payment Scheme, and £17.1 million was invested in food and drink production and processing businesses through diverse support programmes.