Written question WQ83504
- Asked by
- James EvansConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
What reassurances will the Welsh Government give to local communities, such as those in Llanwrtyd Wells, that their local communities, their local landscape and local farming practices will not suffer as a consequence of the large-scale purchase of agricultural land by multinational investment companies?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
We are aware about concerns of large investors buying farms for afforestation. We recognise these risks but believe that done rightly, woodland creation can provide positive benefits to local communities, providing new sources of income, green rural jobs and high quality places for nature. We want to support farmers to take advantage of these opportunities while ensuring that our agricultural sector remains productive. We have established an expert group to advise Ministers on how investment can be secured in a way that safeguards the viability of our agricultural businesses and our rural communities.