Carwyn says 'time to get real - on Wales' natural assets

Welsh Labour Leadership candidate, Carwyn Jones, will say later today set out his vision on a range of policies including rural affairs, heritage, sport and language, saying that Wales can be proud that it has some of the finest natural assets, in the world.

Speaking on a visit to Conwy Castle, at which he unveiled his policies on the countryside, environment and food, Carwyn said:

“Having served as Minister for many years in this area, I have developed good relationships with rural communities across Wales and I know that our countryside policies will become increasingly important in response to the climate change agenda. Wales has some wonderful natural assets which we need to cherish and preserve.

“As First Minister, I will pledge to maintain my commitment to our GM-free status and continue support for the development of organic farming.

“I want to continue schemes that enable farmers to diversify and ensure that quality Welsh food products receive full marketing support abroad. I will also spread co-operative best practice in rural communities and incentives for farmers and others to move into activity-based tourism.

“In recent years, there has been a need to open up more land for allotments. In the future, I will work with local authorities to make this happen.

“I will also respond to the need to promote local food sourcing through the procurement system and I will seek to open up local school and hospital meals to more Welsh products and by supporting the Slow Food and Transition Towns movements.

“Wales has led the way in supporting the Fair Trade movement and the Wales for Africa programme. I will maintain that backing as First Minister.

“We must also take every opportunity under new legislation, to conserve our marine environment for future generations.”

Today, Carwyn will also reveal his policies on culture, sport and the Welsh Language, saying:

“Culture and community development go hand in hand for socialists. Small and large projects across Wales have benefited from our targeted investment programmes, and I will want to ensure we continue to invest in the highest quality projects that will strengthen and reinvigorate our communities. “

In these specific policy areas, Carwyn will pledge to:

continue to invest in the widest range of arts and sporting facilities;

• champion the production of original digital content by and for the people of Wales on online, alongside support for community radio and television initiatives, and protect the plurality of the most diverse range of Welsh programming on ITV, including news and current affairs;
• build on the now universal reach of credit unions, working alongside institutions like the Post Office and housing associations who wish to provide proper financial services for their tenants;
• support the economic development of Welsh Language communities through our regeneration budgets;
• encourage people in Welsh-speaking communities to see their Welsh language skills as a skill for employment, building on the language brokers already being employed to work with people in the community; and
• encourage a wider day to day use of Welsh in our communities and more support for those who wish to learn the language.