CLA welcomes Huw Irranca-Davies to the new, combined role covering Welsh rural affairs and climate change
Mr Irranca-Davies has breadth of experience to help reset the relationship between government and rural Wales, says CLA
The CLA has welcomed Huw Irranca-Davies to the new, combined role covering rural affairs and climate change in Wales.
Mr Irranca-Davies replaces Lesley Griffiths, who had been Minister for Rural Affairs since 2016. She has been moved to culture and social justice by new First Minister Vaughan Gething.
CLA Cymru Director Victoria Bond said:
"We warmly welcome Huw Irranca-Davies to the new, combined role covering rural affairs and climate change and look forward to working closely together.
“We're confident Mr Irranca-Davies' breadth of experience will help reset the relationship between the government and rural Wales. This is a crucial time for farming and the rural economy in Wales, and while the general direction of travel of agricultural policy is the right one we need to work together to make schemes workable. Collaboration will be key to fighting climate change, looking after the environment, feeding the nation, creating jobs and building homes.
“It is encouraging that Mr Irranca-Davies is already keen to listen to and engage with rural Wales. Persistently low economic productivity is hampering rural businesses, as highlighted by the recent Senedd Cross Party Group for Rural Growth's report, but with the right support and ambition the vast potential of the Welsh countryside can be unlocked."