Pembrokeshire Herald column Joyce Watson MS, Labour Mid and West Wales

It’s Pembrokeshire Show week! Rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths is in town to talk about the Welsh Government’s proposals for the Sustainable Farming Scheme. The plan is to help farmers lower their carbon footprint and support nature, whilst continuing to supply world-class produce in a sustainable way that protects our rich history and heritage. Outline proposals were published last year, and the scheme will begin in 2025. After months of discussion, ministers will be consulting farmers and stakeholders on the final arrangements towards the end of this year.

Also on the agenda is Pembrokeshire’s bovine TB project. The contract for its delivery has just been announced – Iechyd Da (Gwledig) Ltd. will lead the project. Part of the Welsh Government’s five-year bovine TB Delivery Plan, the Pembrokeshire scheme will facilitate collaborative working between vets and farmers – and empower local leadership in disease control. Wales has made steady progress in tacking bovine TB since 2009, when I voted against the Plaid Cymru minister’s badger cull. We now have fewer affected herds and incidents. Against this improving picture, however, TB prevalence in parts of Pembrokeshire have worsened in recent years. The new project will focus on stopping cattle-to-cattle transmission and better biosecurity measures.

Just as TB endangers our farming communities, the climate emergency poses a particular threat to our coastal communities. That is why the Welsh Government recently announced a scheme to support local projects that address it. The Coastal Capacity Building Fund will help coastal communities deliver sustainable solutions – for example, reducing carbon emissions in seafood supply chains, improving eco-systems and innovative recycling initiatives. The fund will be managed by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action as part of the Local Nature Partnership network. The application process opened on Monday (14 August) and closes on Friday 22 September. I encourage anybody with an interest to consider applying.

Finally, Thursday is A-Level results day! As someone who returned to education as an adult, while raising a young family, my memory of the pressures of exams and anticipation of results is not so distant! And as someone who’s career has been a winding path, I’ve learned that perseverance and keeping an open mind to opportunities and setbacks are as important as success. The Welsh Government’s Young Person’s Guarantee provides everyone under the age of 25 with the opportunity to enrol in education or training, find work or become self-employed. So, huge congratulations to everyone receiving their hoped-for results this summer. But don’t be too disappointed if you come up short – or if you’re unsure of your next steps. There are many paths. Careers Wales is a great place to start for advice and your school or college will be there to support you too.