Written question WQ88439

Farm safety is of paramount importance to the Welsh Government and my officials continue to play a leading role in the Wales Farm Safety Partnership. The partnership – a collaboration of key agricultural stakeholder organisations across Wales – helps to drive down the unacceptable number of serious accidents and deaths that occur on farms each year.

Since 2018, £115,000 has been allocated to the partnership to promote good health and safety practices on farm. Activity includes farm safety awareness roadshows and a rural school’s campaign, which was launched at the 2022 Winter Fair.

I have allocated a further £80,000, which will allow the partnership to focus on a broadened rural school’s campaign, new promotional materials and digital marketing over the next two years.

Separate to this funding, the partnership works in conjunction with the Farm Safety Foundation to promote key messages for Farm Safety Week and Mind you Head Week, which is an annual campaign aimed at improving the wellbeing of farmers.

Finally, the Farming Connect Mentoring programme provides farmers with free advice from mentors with a specific focus on farm health and safety. The mentors offer guidance and help to identify risks, eliminate hazards, and reduce the risk of on farm accidents.