FOOD and farming are worth some £6.1bn to the Welsh economy annually, supporting a combined workforce of around 53,500. There is little doubt as to the enormous scale of what’s at stake for Wales’ rural communities in our negotiations to withdraw from the European Union.

This week, the Royal Welsh Show in Llanelwedd will, as it has done every year since 1904, celebrate Welsh farming’s best offerings – from hulking Welsh Black cattle to lightning-quick sheep shearers. Not only is it the pinnacle event of the British agricultural calendar, but it is one of the biggest agricultural shows in Europe. 

I will be meeting with my colleague Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to impress on him the importance of keeping the Welsh agricultural sector at the forefront of EU trade negotiations – and indeed in all international trade negotiations. 

I have no doubt that the UK Conservative Government will deliver the best possible outcome for Wales and Britain throughout the negotiating process. I have every confidence that my colleague, Mr Gove, will be every bit as responsive and accommodating in our discussions. 

The weight of Welsh history rests on the broad shoulders of our negotiating team in Brussels.  

Paul Davies AM
Welsh Conservative Shadow Secretary for Rural Affairs/Deputy Leader of the Welsh Conservative Assembly Group