MS, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and
Rural Affairs: I am convening a summit of key representatives on
Thursday 18 April to examine the impacts of the current and
prolonged wet weather, and to explore what interventions may be
necessary from across the supply chain to deal with the
exceptional circumstances some farmers are facing.
It is clear that the changing climatic conditions and increasing
weather extremes are already affecting Welsh soils, water
resources and livestock, both from intense and prolonged rainfall
and flooding as well as recurring periods of summer droughts and
wildfires.
Our future generations will be farming in much more challenging
conditions, and we must act today to adapt and mitigate for
this. It is essential that we take steps now to build
resilience to the potential impacts of climate change.
I fully recognise the impact the prolonged period of wet weather
is having on our farmers, and I have seen first-hand the impacts
it is having on our farmers during farm visits last week. This is
affecting all sectors by increasing costs and delaying work on
the land which will have short, medium and long-term impacts.
The mental health of those involved in the agricultural industry
is of great concern to me. I strongly encourage anyone suffering
with stress or other mental health issues to ask for
help. In this, the work of our farming charities is more
important now than ever. We can all work to raise awareness
of the help which is available, so that people can access the
support they need, when they need it. My thanks go to all
those who provide this crucial support across Wales.
We are currently monitoring the impact the wet weather may have
on farmers and growers in Wales, including through the UK wide
Agriculture Market Monitoring Group.
I will update Members following the Summit.
