Janet Finch-Saunders: Will the Minister make a statement on the red meat industry in Wales?

Alun Davies: The Welsh red meat sector—sheep, cattle and pigs—is an important contributor to the economy and to the export market. Red meat production contributed 43% of the annual total value of agricultural output, worth £595 million in 2012

Janet Finch-Saunders: Thank you, Minister. As you will be aware, the United States of America has recently lifted the ban on the importing of beef from the EU, which has been in place since the 1990s. The Farmers Union of Wales has predicted that this could generate upwards of £60 million a year to the agricultural industry. What action are you taking to explore new markets in the US and beyond for the Welsh red meat industry?

Alun Davies: I very much join the Member in welcoming the news from the United States. This is something that many people have been working on for some years. We will all, on all sides of the Chamber, welcome the news. Hybu Cig Cymru will be visiting the United States and Canada in early January. I have already discussed with it how that visit can be supported by the Welsh Government and how the Welsh Government can continue to support the development of new markets, in the US and elsewhere. However, I very much welcome the news, and we are working with Hybu Cig Cymru to continue to develop those new markets and new markets elsewhere.