What assessment has the Minister made of the benefits of the agrifood launchpad in mid-Wales, announced in the UK Government's 2024 Budget?
Welsh Government has supported the launchpad proposal from initial development in 2022, through existing partnerships with AberInnovation, Ambition North Wales, MSparc and AMRC Cymru. This project fits with our place-based assets, strengths and opportunities present in the region and would be able to deliver economic, environmental, and societal benefits.
A thorough, comprehensive, and objective evaluation of the project includes regional resources, supporting organisations and a critical mass of business innovation activity in the region. The wider impacts and added value was undertaken prior to the decision to support the project. Additionally, we remain a supporting partner and key stakeholder now funding has been committed.
This investment in agri-food recognises and builds on the existing work of Welsh Government through initiatives such as the award-winning Project Helix delivered by Food Innovation Wales, through sites in Ceredigion, Ynys-Mon and south Wales as well as the Food and Drink Wales Cluster programme. It also aligns well with our Vision for the Food and Drink Industry, Agritech Action Plan and Wales Innovates.