What is the Welsh Government is doing to protect dairy farmers from reductions in the price of milk, during the coronavirus outbreak?
The dairy sector is a vital part of the farming industry and I am aware of the impact the realignment of the supply chain is having on primary producers and processors.
Officials are in regular contact with industry stakeholders to discuss the issues facing each sector, including through the Agriculture Resilience Group (ARG) and the Dairy Focus Group.
My officials are working collaboratively with the UK Government and other Devolved Administrations to analyse whether intervention or easement measures are required. The UK Agricultural Market Monitoring (UKAMMG) is monitoring all agricultural markets, and is currently meeting with my officials on a weekly basis to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the price of agricultural produce.
I have written to the Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, George Eustice, emphasising the need to collaborate as governments to use the powers available to us to protect the UK agri-food supply chain during this difficult time, and to mitigate against the severe disruption this crisis is causing to our producers and processors.