Wales' new minister for rural resilience and sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd, has delivered his first speech to the Senedd since his appointment by Rhun ap Iorwerth, outlining his priorities for farming and the environment. He emphasised the central importance of climate and nature action for Wales' future prosperity, health, and resilience, stating that clean air, clean water, healthy soils, and thriving ecosystems are not optional extras.
1. Net Zero by 2040
Gruffydd announced that work has begun on an ambitious climate and nature action plan, focusing on a practical pathway to net zero by 2040 and substantive nature recovery by 2050. This plan is shaped by the realities facing communities across Wales. The UK government aims for net zero by 2050, while the previous Welsh Labour government had set a 2035 target for Wales and a 2030 target for the public sector. Rhun ap Iorwerth had admitted during the campaign that the 2035 timeline was not realistic.
2. New Water Regulator
Gruffydd confirmed plans for a new Welsh economic water regulator with powers to drive investment, reduce pollution, and deliver long-term improvements. This was a manifesto commitment of Plaid Cymru.
3. New Flooding Group
Within the first 100 days of government, ending at the end of August, the minister will outline terms of reference for a new flood resilience and preparedness forum. He highlighted the need for a joined-up approach to preparedness and improved long-term resilience, including catchment-scale and nature-based solutions that reduce risk, protect communities, support nature recovery, and help Wales adapt to climate impacts such as intense rainfall, storms, drought, and heat.
4. Funding to Restore Coal Tips
Gruffydd said the Welsh Government will continue to press the UK Government for additional funding to restore coal tips and contaminated land, arguing that communities living with the legacy of Wales' industrial past should not be left to carry that risk alone. This echoes the stance of the previous Labour administration.
5. Changes to the Sustainable Farming Scheme
The minister acknowledged that the Sustainable Farming Scheme has caused significant worry among farmers and led to a large protest at the Senedd. He noted that 50% of farmers—over 8,000 businesses—have joined the universal layer of the scheme, which he called a positive start. However, he pledged to continue listening and working with the farming community to refine the scheme so that more join next year and beyond. He also emphasised the need for a multi-annual budget to provide certainty.
6. New TB Programme
Gruffydd described bovine TB as one of the most significant and persistent challenges facing agriculture in Wales. He announced a refresh of the TB eradication programme, building on strong foundations but requiring a step change to achieve a TB-free Wales by 2041. Additionally, he promised a new animal health and welfare plan, including new regulations for animal welfare establishments.
7. Reduced Bureaucracy
The minister has ordered a review by Plaid Cymru colleague John Davies into excessive bureaucracy that impacts the time farmers can spend on their farms. Gruffydd stated his desire to decrease the bureaucratic burden on family farms, making a real difference to the time spent on complicated and duplicated processes, which could otherwise be used for managing stock, improving productivity, or planning for the future.
8. New Food Strategy
Gruffydd said he will champion Welsh fisheries and strengthen the food system through a new national food strategy for Wales. This strategy aims to safeguard food supply chains, improve food literacy, strengthen supply chains, and support the food and drink industry to grow, building a reputation for high-quality, sustainably produced food.
