Cwestiwn ysgrifenedig WQ86786

Welsh Government continues to work on developing initiatives to attract young people into the agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors, through Farming Connect and Venture.

In April I was pleased to announce a package of support worth over £227 million over the next three financial years to support resilience in the rural economy.

In the future, the proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) will be available to all types of farms and will support young people to enter the industry and establish sustainable businesses.

In March of this year, I funded a feasibility and scoping study for a new entrant scheme for the fishing sector through the Welsh Fisherman’s Association.

In the Joint Fisheries Statement (https://gov.wales/joint-fisheries-statement-0) published last earlier this month, with the other fisheries policy authorities, I have committed to working with the seafood sector to encourage new entrants to the sector with certifiable training, succession planning, safe working conditions and fair renumeration and equitable treatment. Work will also be undertaken to seek improvement in the public’s perception of the industry as a place to work and for new entrants to pursue a career in.

We support Apprenticeships to include the forestry sector. A recent pilot for Apprenticeships in the forestry sector has been completed which included a package of supporting opportunities aimed at both the apprentice and employer. The programme supported nearly 30 apprentices over the 3 year period. The evaluation of this programme will be considered in the development of the Timber Industrial Strategy.

We have recently sponsored 20 places on the Institute of Chartered Foresters Emerging Leaders Scheme. The 6-month programme is designed for emerging leaders who work or volunteer with trees. It will allow them to build their leadership potential, strengthen their networks, and drive both social and organisational change.