Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Climate change is already having a clear impact on farming.
Recommendation
Climate change is already having a clear impact on farming. Changing weather patterns alter the farming environment and create greater instability. Wetter weather will increase challenges to livestock production with increased flooding of fields potentially reducing the crop production used to supply bedding and feed. We are concerned that a reduction in yield, as a result of environmental factors, could reduce the viability of farms and, in turn, could have negative consequences for the cultural, economic and social significance of family farms in Wales. We recommend that the UK and Welsh governments work together to ensure that both governments meet their net-zero targets. (Paragraph 43) The economic and cultural impacts of trade and environmental policy on family farms in Wales 17 Future agricultural policy
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Government recognises the challenge of climate change and the need for swift action. We are looking at ways to reduce agricultural emissions controlled directly within the farm boundary, considering a broad range of measures including improvements in on- farm efficiency. Additionally, adapting to the inevitable changes in our climate is also vital. Whilst we continue to reduce our contribution to climate change, we are also taking robust action to improve the resilience of our people, economy and environment. The UK Government is working closely with the Welsh Government and other Devolved Administrations through established governance arrangements to ensure a joined-up and collaborative approach to delivering net zero. At the bimonthly Net Zero, Energy and Climate Change Inter-Ministerial Group, UK Government ministers meet with Devolved Administration counterparts to discuss policies that will contribute to delivery of net zero targets across the UK. The Group provides effective engagement on energy and climate change mitigation through information exchange, cooperation, and collaboration in areas of shared interest. It is designed to complement and provide an overarching structure for existing channels of engagement between the UK Government and Devolved Administrations on matters relating to energy and climate change policy. The Group is supported by the senior official-level Net Zero Nations Board, which meets on alternate months, as well as a monthly working group.