§ 23. Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the(a) short-term and (b) long-term prospects of the agricultural sector in Wales. [28421]
§ Mr. Win GriffithsI do not underestimate the serious nature of the difficulties that the agricultural sector in Wales is currently facing. For the longer term, general commodity markets are likely to be increasingly competitive. The way for Welsh agriculture to compete is to develop well-branded products, which can command premium prices, with a greater degree of value being added in the food supply chain in Wales. In this context, I want to see Wales developing a strong reputation for extensive, farm-assured production, including organic food.