Part of the debate – Senedd Cymru am 5:16 pm ar 28 Mawrth 2023.
Minister, thank you for this update today on the TB eradication programme. As you will know, Minister, north Wales is such an important region for the agricultural industry and for farming families, who play such an important role, both in our local economy but more broadly in ensuring our language and culture are enhanced and prosper really well in north Wales. That's why it's so important that, as Welsh Government, you're able to create the right conditions for our farming businesses to thrive.
When I speak to farmers in my region, TB eradication is often the main point of conversation, as I'm sure, with you, Minister, it's very similar. Sadly, currently, they often feel they are unable to take all of the steps necessary to protect their livestock and their businesses from the spread of TB, and they are expected to live with the anxiety of having entire herds wiped out by this disease, and that's why I certainly support the comments made by the Member for Dwyfor Meirionnydd on the anxiety and the stress that many of our farmers experience.
So, in light of this, Minister, which part of the programme do you think gives farmers in north Wales the most reassurance that they may need to feel confident that the programme itself will protect their livestock, their family businesses and their communities?