Minister backs nature recovery and farm resilience

The Welsh government has pledged continued investment in climate, nature and rural communities, while seeking greater long-term certainty for farmers through the Sustainable Farming Scheme.

Speaking in the Senedd on Tuesday (23 June), rural resilience and sustainability minister Llyr Gruffydd announced more than £10m for the Nature Networks Fund to support biodiversity recovery, job creation and stronger links between communities and the natural environment.

He also confirmed work has begun on a new Climate and Nature Plan, setting out how Wales intends to reach net zero by 2040 and achieve significant nature recovery by 2050.

See also: UK’s largest farmer-led nature recovery project approved

Mr Gruffydd said: “Our Climate and Nature Plan will put climate and nature at the heart of decision-making across government; from housing and transport to health, food and the economy.”

Measures highlighted include tree planting, peatland restoration, continued delivery of the National Peatland Action Programme and the creation of a new Flood Resilience and Preparedness Forum for Wales.

Farm business certainty

For farmers, he said the Welsh government was working to secure a multi-annual budget for the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), providing greater certainty for farm businesses.

A new National Food Strategy for Wales is also being developed to strengthen food security and supply chains.

Speaking to Farmers Weekly, Mr Gruffydd defended the £10m investment in nature recovery, arguing that healthy ecosystems are important for agriculture.

He added that farmers should be encouraged to apply to the competitive Nature Networks Fund where appropriate.

Industry response

The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust Wales welcomed the announcement.

Policy director Sue Evans said nature had “a place within working farming systems” and supported moves towards a multi-annual SFS budget.

Farmers’ Union of Wales president Ian Rickman said the union was keen to work with ministers to ensure the climate and nature plan complemented the sector’s “ambitions to produce sustainable food alongside environmental stewardship”.