Wales’ new First Minister, Vaughan Gething, has announced his ministerial team. Huw Irranca-Davies MS has been appointed as the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs.
The First Minister said, “I’m incredibly proud to bring together a government drawn from all parts of Wales to serve the whole of our nation, with progressive politics at its heart.
“This Ministerial team will answer the call of the generation in waiting, to create a stronger, fairer, greener Wales. We will take action to strengthen our economy by providing opportunities for everyone and being steadfast in our commitment to a just transition to net zero.
“I believe in a Wales that recognises that we can celebrate our differences and take pride in all those things that draw us together and make us who we are. While there will be many challenges ahead, there are even greater opportunities. I am ambitious about the work this team will do to make Wales an even better place.”
NFU Cymru President Aled Jones said, “I’d like to offer my congratulations to Huw Irranca-Davies MS on his appointment as Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs.
“The new Cabinet Secretary brings a wealth of experience to the portfolio, having previously presided as Defra Parliamentary Under Secretary and he was subsequently a Shadow Defra Minister. In his role as a Member of the Senedd, he has engaged regularly with NFU Cymru and our members. Indeed, we met with him earlier this week when he attended our Sustainable Farming Scheme drop-in session at the Senedd. We were pleased to be able to share our key asks to Mr Irranca-Davies.
“We anticipate an early meeting with the Cabinet Secretary to talk through the very pressing challenges the sector faces and the ongoing unrest in the industry. One of the top policy priorities will be for the Cabinet Secretary to address the union’s concerns around the current Sustainable Farming Scheme proposals. We will also be asking the Cabinet Secretary to recognise the emotional and financial impact of current Welsh Government bovine TB policy. In addition to this, NFU Cymru will impress upon the Cabinet Secretary the need to review the unworkable water quality regulations that Welsh farmers are subject to.
“NFU Cymru has a vision for Welsh farmers to be world-leaders in the production of climate friendly food and we look forward to working with the new Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs to help Welsh farming realise its ambitions.”