Brexit and its potential effect on the Welsh food and drink sector will be discussed when the Committee for the Scrutiny of the First Minister meets at Hafren Theatr in Newtown, Powys on Friday 16 February.
First Minister for Wales, Carwyn Jones AM, will be taking questions from the Committee around the future prospects for the food and drink industry. The issues covered could include:
Potential future international trade arrangements following withdrawal from the European Union and the implications for the industry.
Opportunities and risks around food standards;
The promotion of Welsh food production and the ‘Welsh brand’; and
Implications for tourism and the hospitality industry.
The Welsh food supply chain is one of Wales’ largest sectors, employing more than 240,000 people with an annual turnover in excess of £19 billion. Almost 93 per cent of Welsh meat exports leaving the UK currently head to Europe.
Chair of the Committee, Ann Jones AM, said:
“The food and drink industry is of vital importance to the economy of Wales. It is a major employer in its own right and supports a range of other industries, such as tourism and hospitality.
"As the Brexit negotiations continue it is important the Welsh Government is doing all it can both to influence the UK Government’s approach, but also to plan for different eventualities.
“We will be asking the First Minister, on behalf of Welsh farmers and producers, from small cottage operations to large-scale commercial operations, what preparations his government is making and what opportunities have been identified to promote brand Wales post Brexit.”
The meeting starts at 11:30. Anyone wishing to attend should contact the National Assembly booking line on 0300 200 6565, or email contact@assembly.wales.