Written Statement: Horticulture Policy Development in Wales

Until the mid-twentieth century, Wales had a rich and varied horticultural industry which supplied local needs and was a locally notable land use activity. But the movement to a global food system in the later decades of the century, with specialisation of production, led to steep decline in Welsh, and indeed UK, horticulture. We now rely heavily on imports, whether from abroad or elsewhere in the UK.

The Welsh Government sees value in encouraging horticulture. The production of fruit and vegetables is an important part of a food system. There is a need now to cultivate more fruit and vegetables in Wales; be that crops grown in the open, orchards and berry fruit, or protected cultivation crops in glasshouses and polytunnels. There is a beneficial place for horticulture in Wales, especially smaller scale and agri-ecological focussed enterprises. More horticulture could create a bigger local element to the food system, potentially strengthening system resilience and food security. More horticulture can create employment, develop local supply chains which add value, and burnish our growing reputation as a food nation. These are benefits which would feature in a more community focussed food strategy.

We have a number of business supports in place to encourage new and existing horticulture enterprises. We support growers through two dedicated funding schemes; the Horticulture Development Scheme and the Small Grants - Horticulture Start Up scheme. These schemes help Welsh horticulturalists become more competitive, while expanding their businesses in an environmentally-friendly manner. We have also supported innovative supply chain development, for example through the “Welsh Veg in Schools” project funded by the Backing Local Firms Fund. It has met initial success and there appears to be potential to expand and mainstream it by working with partners. Our support for training horticulturalists continues through programmes delivered by Lantra, through the Horticulture element of the Farming Connect contract. 

But our work has identified systemic challenges which are potential barriers to progress, and step change. In 2023 the Welsh Government commissioned a report on Barriers to Small Scale Horticulture Development in Wales. The report contained a number of recommendations to address both actual and perceived barriers to the development of small-scale horticulture. In response we established The Wales Horticulture Planning Working Group of stakeholders to co-produce solutions to these recommendations, and assist rolling them out. That group has met over recent months to consider and plan. We have agreed with the group, a first step, would be to explore an update to Planning Policy Wales to emphasise the specific focus and importance we place on horticulture as a land-use, acknowledging its unique operational needs. This update is seen as the logical first step because Planning Policy Wales sets the overarching policy framework for land-use. The Welsh Government recognises the critical importance of clearly signalling our policy intent to ensure stakeholders and partners fully understand our objectives. Whilst we recognise the overarching need to update Planning Policy Wales, any specific amendments to the policy will be subject to additional stakeholder engagement through the usual consultation procedures in due course.

Beyond this step, we are committed to exploring additional measures, as suggested by the report recommendations, to support planning authorities, horticulture applicants, and their agents in developing successful horticulture enterprises. Our ultimate goal is to foster a larger, vibrant horticulture sector through a balanced approach that integrates planning with other supportive initiatives, driving sustainable growth and innovation in the industry.

This statement is being issued during recess to keep Members informed. Should Members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.