Welsh Government

Lesley Griffiths has decided to delay the introduction of Quarantine Units (QUs) from Monday 12th June to Monday 11th September following representations by farming unions and other livestock industry representatives on behalf of livestock keepers wishing to attend agricultural shows this summer. 

The delay means livestock keepers are able to attend agricultural shows using their existing Isolation Facilities without the obligation to meet the full requirements of the six day standstill regime. It also allows them more time to put in place QUs on their holdings.

The Cabinet Secretary said:

“Following discussions with key farming and stakeholder organisations over recent days I have decided isolation facilities may continue to be used by livestock keepers for agricultural shows and those wanting to move animals for breeding purposes, until 11 September 2017, when the new legislation on Quarantine Units will come into force. 

“I am sure this approach will be of benefit to the agriculture summer shows and to livestock keepers who wish to display their animals at these important rural events.”

More information on Quarantine Units can be found here.

Children First is the name for children’s zones in Wales. Their purpose is to allow the local community and organisations to work together to address the specific needs of children and young people in the area and to reduce the inequalities some children and young people face compared with their peers in more socially advantaged places.

The approach, which involves working collaboratively around a specific place for the benefit of children and young people forms part of the new ambition to create resilient communities announced by the Cabinet Secretary earlier this year. 

Announcing the projects, the Cabinet Secretary said: 

“Children First is about initiating change at the local level, based on the needs of the specific place, identified by listening to children and young people and the local community.  It will aim to bring together all the services and support which will be effective in addressing the needs of children and young people from birth to adulthood.

“Children’s and young people’s rights should be central to Children First, including the right to participate in decisions affecting them. Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs are also a priority.  I am convinced that we need to find ways to prevent ACEs and mitigate their impact, to give our children and young people and the communities they live in the opportunity to flourish.

“I am very grateful to the 19 organisations who put forward expressions of interest in establishing Children First areas. We have identified five proposals that are ready to proceed as pioneers. They will give us the opportunity to see how the approach works for a range of issues, in different communities across the country.

“I hope that in time, the benefits of Children First areas will be clear and there will be an increase in delivery of this multi-agency, collaborative approach.  I am encouraged that a number of the other proposals we received could also be developed to become Children First projects, and we will ensure that learning from our pioneers is shared with others to allow further projects to come on stream as quickly as possible.”

Lesley Griffiths has announced Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons and the Pembrokeshire Costal Path National Park Authorities will receive grant funding totalling £9.5m for 2017/18.

Meanwhile, Wales’ five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty have today been awarded £275,000 to help them to continue to deliver the Sustainable Development Fund. Under this fund, AONBs will each receive £55,000 to establish projects which support ways of living and working in a more sustainable way, integrating natural beauty, wildlife, landscape, land use and community.

Earlier this year the Cabinet Secretary confirmed an extra £2.5m, in addition to their core funding, to support projects identified by Wales’ National Park Authorities and AONBs. These include initiatives to promote outdoor recreation and improve mountain safety.

The Cabinet Secretary said:

“We all know Wales has some of the most stunning and inspiring natural landmarks anywhere in the world.  Our breathtaking National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty have long been magnets for visitors and locals alike.

“Earlier this year, I was able to provide over £2.5m of additional funding to support projects identified by Wales’ National Park Authorities and AONBs. I look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition over the coming months.

“I am pleased today to further confirm funding of nearly £10m which will enable our National Park Authorities and AONBs to continue to protect and improve these valuable landscapes for future generations.” 

Tourism figures published today show a positive picture of tourism performance in a challenging global market place. 

The Great Britain Day Visitor Survey shows that in the 12 months ending April 2017, there were 103.2 million tourism day visits to Wales, with an associated spend of £4,265 million. The number of visits has increased 20.4% compared to the 12 months ending April 2016, while the amount spent has increased 30.2%.

However, the overnight GB survey for the 12 months ending January 2017 shows that the number of visits has decreased 11.6% compared to the 12 months ending January 2016. The number of visits to GB as a whole has decreased by 3.9% over the same period. 

Economy Secretary, Ken Skates, said:

“It makes me very, very proud to see what was achieved in Cardiff this weekend. There will be millions of people across the globe who will have sat up and taken notice of Wales as a place to visit, work and do business. We have extensive experience in capitalising on major events which have been held in Wales and we will now make the most of this platform – It’s an opportunity I’m looking forward to grasping with both hands.  I’m delighted that we were able to welcome legendary footballers from around the world to Wales during our Year of Legends.

“Tourism performance remains positive in such a challenging market. In 2016 the overall picture for Wales – taking into account tourism day visits, international visitors as well GB overnights visits – shows a substantial increase in overall tourism volumes compared with 2015. The total of visits across all three categories was 15% up during 2016 – which builds on the previous successful years.  I’m delighted that the day visit figures which include the Easter break continue to see an increase this year.   We will continue with our campaign work to ensure that we make the most of the opportunities to attract overseas visitors and those looking to holiday at home due to the weak pound.

“Our overseas visitors also increased last year and we’ll make the most of our chance to sell Wales to the world as the place where fans had a remarkable experience during the Champions League Final and which saw Gareth Bale lifting the trophy in his home city.”

They join other iconic Welsh products, such as Welsh Laverbread, Welsh Lamb and Halen Môn/Anglesey Sea Salt, in being recognised for their distinct quality and awarded protection against imitation and misuse.

Traditional Welsh Perry and Traditional Welsh Cider are protected by the European Protected Geographical Indication status (PGI), which will provide consumers with the confidence they are drinking the genuine Welsh product. 

In total, 14 Welsh products have now been awarded protected status. Traditional Welsh Perry and Traditional Welsh Cider have now received the honour of being the first Welsh drinks to attain the PGI status. 

The Welsh Government has supported the Welsh Perry and Cider Society during the complicated and extensive application process. 

Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths said:

“I am delighted Traditional Welsh Perry and Traditional Welsh Cider are the latest of our food and drink products to be awarded protected status.  

“This is further evidence of the success of the Welsh food and drink sector and the effectiveness of our strategy to support it.  We are forging a reputation for developing unique, high quality products and the industry is already more than half way towards reaching our target of 30% growth from 2014 to 2020. 

“The recognition from the European Commission is important as it demonstrates the quality of Wales’ produce as we strive to reach new markets to grow the industry and prepare for a future outside of the EU.”

Traditional Welsh Perry and Traditional Welsh Cider are re-emerging products that were largely farm-produced drinks using perry pears and cider apples grown in nearby orchards and made for local consumption. The revival of these drinks has been based on artisan producers rediscovering and restoring ancient orchards and planting new orchards. 

Sally Perks Chairman of the WPCS said:

“The Welsh Perry and Cider Society are thrilled with this announcement and the recognition of Traditional Welsh Cider and Traditional Welsh Perry as unique products. It provides a huge boost to Welsh cider makers in getting their products recognised throughout the UK and abroad.”