§ 14. Sir Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the future viability of small family farms in Wales. [59921]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyNone. Such assessments are a matter for the National Assembly for Wales, who have responsibility for agriculture in Wales.
I do, however, have regular discussions with the First Minister, which include agricultural matters.
The National Assembly has launched "Farming for the Future: a New Direction for Farming in Wales"—a distinctively Welsh agriculture strategy produced with the help and support of the industry. The strategy recognises the importance of family farms; gives prominence to developing high quality produce; and most importantly, sets out a vision based on sustainability in all its aspects—economically, environmentally and socially.