Llyr Gruffydd named as new Welsh ‘rural resilience’ minister

Wales’ new first minister, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, has appointed Llyr Gruffydd as cabinet minister for rural resilience and sustainability.

The appointment, confirmed on 13 May as the new Welsh cabinet was unveiled, comes at a significant time for Welsh farming as the industry faces policy reform, environmental pressures and market uncertainty.

Mr Gruffydd succeeds former Welsh Labour rural affairs minister Huw Irranca-Davies and brings years of experience as Plaid Cymru’s shadow rural affairs spokesman.

See also: Farm groups demand results as Plaid Cymru wins Welsh election

For Welsh farmers, attention is now likely to turn to how quickly the new administration progresses key manifesto commitments, including the future development of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), changes to water pollution rules, and bovine TB policy.

Manifesto pledges

During the Senedd election campaign, Plaid Cymru pledged to continue refining the SFS while reviewing Wales’ water pollution regulations.

The party said it wanted to move away from what it described as “farming by the calendar” towards a more flexible, risk-based system.

On bovine TB and badger culling, Plaid Cymru said future decisions would be guided by scientific evidence.

Speaking to Farmers Weekly before the election, Mr Gruffydd said: “I have always said that a targeted and science-led approach to controlling badgers is something I would support.

“The advice from the Welsh government’s technical advisory group, which is looking at this currently, will be key.

“If it recommends culling, then I will move to implement it.”

Industry response

Industry leaders welcomed the appointment and said they looked forward to working with the new minister on issues including SFS delivery, bovine TB and farm regulation.

NFU Cymru president Abi Reader said the union had worked closely with Mr Gruffydd for several years.

“He brings a wealth of experience and understanding of the sector to this role at a critical time for the industry,” she said.

Plaid Cymru’s manifesto included several commitments closely aligned with NFU Cymru priorities, she added, particularly around future farm support and rural development.

Farmers’ Union of Wales president Ian Rickman described the coming Senedd term as “a pivotal time for Welsh agriculture and our rural communities”.

“We look forward to understanding how farming and food production will be prioritised and positioned within this new portfolio, and what that will mean in practical terms for the sector,” he said.